Continuous Rain and Mountain Floods Submerge Low-lying Areas of Rangamati, Thousands Stranded

According to local sources, damage has been reported in various areas of Baghaichhari, Langadu, and Barkal upazilas. Particularly in Baghaichhari Upazila, the Rupkari Union, Master Para, Madhyam Para, Haji Para, Madrasa Para, F Block, Bottoli, Amtoli, and Guchchgram villages have experienced significant water rise and flooding. Agricultural lands have also suffered extensive damage.

Abdul Mabud, president of the Baghaichhari Press Club, said, “Due to excessive water retention by the Kaptai Dam, thousands of families in the upazila have been affected by floods. In the past 2–3 months, this area has experienced damage four times.” He added, “To protect people, extra water storage for electricity generation should not be prioritized.”

The managing engineer of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant stated that as the reservoir water exceeded the danger level, the sluice gates were opened 3.5 feet at 3 a.m. on Tuesday, releasing 63,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water. The current water level in the reservoir is 108.74 feet above mean sea level. For electricity generation, 32,000 cusecs of water is being discharged, producing 222 megawatts of electricity.

Earlier in August, water was released from the Kaptai reservoir several times, putting low-lying residents at increased risk. Experts have warned that if river and reservoir water discharge is not properly controlled, the impact of flooding could worsen further.