Jhalokathi, July 26 (V7N) — Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has submerged roads and low-lying areas of Jhalokathi, causing severe disruption to daily life, halting transport, and inflicting damage on crops and residential areas across multiple union parishes.
 
Local residents in Rajapur, Nalchhiti town, Mathbaria, Saturia, and surrounding unions report that urban streets and village lanes are submerged under water, forcing shops to close and leaving residents stranded. Communities in these areas remain largely indoors due to deep waterlogging.
 
Witnesses describe scenes of distress:
 
"Water has reached knee level in some streets and homes", said local residents Rafik and Akash, explaining that mobility has become near-impossible and children risk falling into water while walking.
 
The Bishkhali River is currently flowing close to its danger level, with fear rising among riverside populations. The swollen waterway, amplified by upstream flow and monsoon surge, has breached embankments in vulnerable sections, triggering flooding in adjacent farmland and homesteads.
 
Agricultural communities warn of widespread losses. Early-season paddy, vegetable seedlings, and saplings in the floodplain areas have been inundated, potentially jeopardizing harvests. Many farmers now face dire economic and food security concerns.
 
The region's power supply has been disrupted since Friday morning. Electrical lines are snapped in scattered locations due to gale-force winds accompanying the rain. Fallen trees and damaged structures—especially among low-quality tin-roof dwellings—have left thousands without shelter or electricity.
 
In response, authorities have deployed additional police to critical flood zones. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed the mobilization of local emergency services and appealed for urgent rehabilitation measures from higher authorities.
 
This monsoon-induced flood crisis in Jhalokathi is emblematic of broader challenges in Barishal Division—where rivers have swelled above danger marks and over 78,000 hectares of crops across coastal and southern districts were submerged due to widespread rains just weeks earlier.
 
END/AIJ/SMA/