Despite no significant local rainfall, the low-lying areas in Khagrachari district town have been inundated due to swelling of Chengi river water caused by the onrush of water from upstream, leaving 500 families stranded.

Intermittent rainfall from upstream hills on Saturday night triggered sudden flooding in parts of the district town, including Garu Bazar, Mehedibagh, Uttar Ganjpara, Shobdomia Para, Madhubazar Rajbari, Khobongpuria and Golabari areas of the district town.

A number of villages were also flooded, leaving over 500 families waterlogged, with many homes and roads submerged, causing significant disruption to daily life.

Due to the swelling of Chengi River water and blocked drainage in canals caused persistent waterlogging across many parts of the district town.

Besides, the low-lying areas of Panchhari and Dighinala upazilas were also inundated, affecting fish farms, Aman paddy fields and vegetable crops, which have been submerged under floodwaters.

Mohammad Solaiman, a resident of Mehedibagh area, said, “There was only light rain last night. We didn’t expect flooding, so we had no preparations. Water entered our house before we realised what was happening—many of our belongings have been damaged.”

Subodhi Chakma, a weather observer from Dighinala Weather Observatory Centre, said that 112 mm of rainfall was recorded on Saturday night.

Nazmun Ara Sultana, local administrator of Khagrachhari municipality and Deputy Director of Local Government, said, “We are monitoring the situation and checking on affected residents. Relief efforts are underway and we’re arranging food aid for those impacted. Since the rain has stopped we hope the water will recede quickly.”

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker said, as soon as we received reports of flash flooding, we opened shelters.

“If affected families come to the shelters, we will ensure access to drinking water, food and other essential support,” he said.