Heavy rains, river overflow submerge low-lying areas 

Continuous rains and river overflow have caused significant flooding in the low-lying areas of Dowarabazar upazila in Sunamganj, leading to a severe disruption of daily life and infrastructure. The situation has become particularly dire as three unions have been cut off from the upazila headquarters. The floodwaters have inundated the Sharifpur village section of the Dowarabazar-Boglabazar road, leading to the collapse of a crucial bridge approach.

The relentless downpour over the past few days, combined with runoff from the surrounding hills, has significantly raised the water levels in the region's rivers and haors. Notably, the rivers Khasiamara, Chilai, Chelandi, Marachela, and Surma have seen substantial increases in water levels, contributing to the flooding.

One of the most affected areas is the Dowarabazar-Boglabazar road, where the approach bridge near the Government Technical School and College has been compromised. This collapse has severed vital connections between the upazila headquarters and the unions of Lakshmipur, Boglabazar, and Surma, leaving the local population in a state of hardship. Moreover, a section of the British road in Upazila Sadar, north of the Kaliuri river, has also succumbed to the floodwaters, exacerbating the connectivity issues.

Residents of the flood-affected areas in Surma Union have reported that continuous rains have led to an overflow from the mountains, increasing the water levels of all rivers in the region. This overflow has effectively cut off communication between the three unions and the upazila Sadar. The collapse of the bridge approach in Sharifpur village has further aggravated the situation, leaving the inhabitants of these unions isolated and struggling over the past five days.

Masud Mia, a member of the Surma Union Parishad, has criticized the lack of foresight from the relevant authorities, highlighting that the road from Dowarabazar Sadar to Surma-Boglabazar and Lakshmipur sinks annually due to similar flooding. This recurring issue indicates a need for more robust and durable infrastructure solutions to prevent future disruptions.

Harun Or Rashid, Chairman of the Surma Union Parishad, has stated that at least eight villages in Surma Union are now waterlogged due to landslides. The submergence of the Sharif section of the Dowarabazar-Boglabazar road and the subsequent collapse of the bridge approach have effectively isolated the three unions, causing significant disruption to communication and daily activities.

Nehar Nigar Tanu, the Nirbahi Officer of Dowarabazar upazila, has assured residents that the flood situation is under control and that temporary repairs are being made to the collapsed bridge approach near the Government Technical School and College. She mentioned that higher authorities have been notified for permanent solutions to address the issue comprehensively.

Despite these assurances, the situation remains a cause for concern. The immediate need is for quick and effective temporary measures to restore connectivity and alleviate the hardships faced by the affected communities. However, long-term solutions are crucial to address the underlying infrastructure vulnerabilities. Local officials and residents are calling for immediate and decisive action to mitigate the impact of the floods and ensure that such disruptions do not recur in the future.

The flooding in Dowarabazar upazila highlights the broader challenges faced by regions susceptible to heavy rainfall and river overflow. It underscores the importance of resilient infrastructure and proactive planning in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities. As the region grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the focus must remain on both immediate relief efforts and long-term strategies to enhance the resilience of the affected areas.