Photo: Messenger
Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff have caused extensive damage and destruction throughout the Ukhiya upazila in Cox's Bazar. Hundreds of acres of shrimp, crab, and various fish farms remain submerged under water, severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers and fishery owners in the Palongkhali area.
Reports indicate that nearly 2,000 acres of shrimp farms in Palongkhali Union's Anjumanpara, Nolbuniya, Rahmeterbil, and Dhamankhali regions are underwater. The authorities have reported at least 10 crore 3 lakh takas in losses across 14 projects of the Maulvi Abdul Latif Waqf Estate. However, local fish farmers believe the actual losses may be much higher.
The floods breached the protective embankments of these farms, causing valuable species such as Bagda, Galda, Korala, Tengra, Lailya, Baila, Tilapia, Bata, Khural, and export-quality crabs to wash away. As of now, many of these farms remain underwater, with no immediate relief in sight.
Latif Anwar Chowdhury, secretary of the management committee of Maulvi Abdul Latif Waqf Estate, emphasized that it will take time for fish farmers and agricultural workers to recover from the extensive damage. He urged for immediate support and rehabilitation for the affected farmers.
Local council member Jafrul Islam (Bablu) provided specific details on the losses faced by various farms. In the Fashiyakhali shrimp farm owned by Abul Khayer and others, losses amount to 20 lakh takas. Similarly, farms in West Bulkhali and East Bulkhali owned by Abul Kalam's group have incurred losses of 10 lakh takas each. Other significant losses were reported in various locations, including 16 lakh takas in Ziyatakhali, 18 lakh in Guijjakhali, and 15 lakh in North Baharpara. In total, the cumulative losses across different farms highlight the scale of the devastation.
In Ward 8, council member Fayezul Islam reported damages of 2 lakh in the Ukil Para farm owned by Mohammad Kalo, 5 lakh in Nolbuniya Para, and 3 lakh in Gol Para.
Additionally, the shrimp farms near the Naff River, particularly in Thaingkhali, Rahmeterbil, and Dhamankhali areas, have been inundated, causing losses of shrimp, crabs, and a variety of fish species.
Ward 3 member Altaf Ahmed indicated that the persistent rain has resulted in damages amounting to at least 30 to 40 lakh takas to shrimp and fish farmers in the Rahmeterbil and Dhamankhali areas.
Chairman of the Palongkhali Union Parishad, M. Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, stated that the heavy rains have flooded nearly all villages in the union, significantly damaging rice seedlings and seedbeds. He called for relevant authorities to assist the severely affected fish farmers and farm owners.
Ukhiya Upazila Executive Officer Tanvir Hossain noted that continuous rainfall has led to widespread damage to rural infrastructure, houses in low-lying areas, and significant losses in the Iri season's crops and fish farms. He urged local representatives to assess the extent of damage in their areas to facilitate assistance for those affected.
The situation in Ukhiya highlights the urgent need for disaster management and support systems to help the communities that rely heavily on aquaculture and agriculture for their livelihoods. As the floods recede, recovery efforts must focus on rehabilitating the affected farmers and restoring the damaged infrastructure to prevent future calamities.
Messenger/Disha
