Flash floods threaten hundreds of crores of taka in losses to Chittagong fisheries and agriculture

Heavy rains and landslides over several days have caused extensive damage to the agriculture and fisheries sectors in Chittagong, with initial estimates suggesting losses could run into hundreds of crores of taka if the downpours continue.

According to preliminary assessments by the District Fisheries Department, nearly 10,000 ponds and shrimp farms across 153 unions in 15 upazilas have been affected. This includes 9,933 fish ponds, 320 shrimp ponds, and about 4,112 hectares of water bodies. The upazila of Banshkhali has suffered the worst damage, with around 2,500 ponds, 310 shrimp ponds, and 1,970 hectares of water bodies washed away. Satkania has seen the second-highest impact, with fish farming affected across 466 hectares.

District Fisheries Officer Salma Begum said a report had been prepared based on initial information, warning that the final damage assessment was likely to exceed hundreds of crores of taka.

The agricultural sector has also sustained major losses. The District Agricultural Extension Department estimates that 8,768 hectares of Aush paddy, 621.66 hectares of Aman seedbeds, and 4,907 hectares of summer vegetables have been damaged, totalling 14,296.66 hectares of farmland.

Farmers in Banshkhali, Chandanaish, Sitakunda, and Sandwip have been hit particularly hard. In Banshkhali alone, Aush paddy crops on 2,150 hectares have been submerged, along with 2,120 hectares in Chandanaish, 1,500 hectares in Sitakunda, and 1,000 hectares in Sandwip.

District Agriculture Officer Apru Marma noted significant destruction to summer vegetable crops as well, with damage reported on 830 hectares in Chandanaish, 700 hectares in Sitakunda, 600 hectares in Sandwip, 475 hectares in Fatikchhari, 460 hectares in Satkania, and 400 hectares in Banshkhali. A final report will be compiled once floodwaters recede.