Tidal surges coupled with heavy rains inundated vast areas of Hatiya upazila in Noakhali following an atmospheric depression in the Bay of Bengal.
Many areas were under knee- to waist-deep water because of continued rainfall in the last couple of days, causing immense public suffering.
In some places, the upazila flood control embankment was either overflowing or water was flowing in through its cracks.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Hatiya, Mahidul Islam confirmed reports of cracks in the embankment, and said water swept away shrimps and prawns from many fishponds. Water also damaged roads and agricultural products.
The situation is critical in Nalchira union, Char king, Char Amanullah, Koralia, Char Parvatee and Char Langta where water was running at 2-3 meters from the ground.
According to an estimate, at least 25,000 people have been directly affected by floodwater and many have been stranded.
At the Nijhum Dwip Island, about five villages were inundated by water and over 100 fishponds have been swept over. About 20 shops adjacent to the dam were also washed away.
Sources said, the tidal surge also caused sizeable livestock losses as well as losses of household property.