In a sudden, devastating event, unprecedented flash floods swept through northern Bangladesh, ravaging hundreds of villages and affecting both Indigenous and Bangalee communities. Continuous heavy rains and the tidal surge from Meghalaya caused rivers in the Nalitabari, Jhenaigati, Sreebordi, Haluaghat, Dhobaura, Durgapur, and Komlakanda regions to overflow, inundating homes, livestock, crops, and vital resources. Entire clay houses were swept away, and countless families now face displacement and uncertainty in the aftermath.
As floodwaters surged, vulnerable families in Sherpur and Mymensingh were forced to flee to higher ground. My own family, including my elderly grandparents from the Mandi community, experienced the chaos first-hand. After rising waters entered their home, they waded through murky floodwaters to reach a neighbor’s house for shelter. In a flash, they lost essential belongings, including vital documents, stored grains, and clothing. Many other families faced similar fates as floodwaters rose rapidly, leaving no time for evacuation or safety measures.
While the floodwater receded quickly in some places, the destruction left behind has crippled daily life. Roads have collapsed, and severe disruptions to the internet, mobile networks, and electricity are stalling relief efforts. Youth from both Indigenous and Bangalee backgrounds, particularly from the Mandi community, have rallied to provide updates and aid, with volunteers from Dhaka joining to support the affected areas. However, there is rising frustration at the slow government response, especially as recovery needs mount.
The flood’s impact extends beyond immediate displacement, impacting cultural celebrations, including Wangala and Durga Puja, deeply embedded in local communities. Villagers from Hatipagar, located along the Bhogai River, report record-high water levels, surpassing those of the 1988 flood, with riverbank erosion further endangering homes and infrastructure.
In response, local authorities have begun distributing emergency food and water to over 5,000 families. Despite these efforts, with more than 35,000 people left homeless and homes of 7,000 families damaged, there is a growing call for long-term relief and infrastructure to mitigate future flood risks. Experts urge the government to invest in early-warning systems, strengthen river embankments, and develop comprehensive flood management plans to reduce the impact of such natural disasters.
