A worsening flood crisis has struck Zakiganj upazila in Sylhet after the embankment along the Kushiyara River collapsed at multiple points between late Sunday night and Monday morning (June 2), allowing powerful river currents to inundate homes and farmlands.
At least three breaches were reported—first in Rarai village around 2:30 a.m., followed by Bakhrshal early Monday, and Loharmohol in Kholachhora Union around 8:00 a.m.—causing rapid flooding across nearby residential and agricultural areas. River overflow has also submerged parts of Zakiganj municipality.
Despite early warnings and efforts by residents and the Water Development Board to reinforce vulnerable sections of the embankment using sandbags and polythene, the river’s force proved too strong.
Zakiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mahbubur Rahman confirmed that emergency evacuation efforts are underway, with shelter centers already prepared for displaced residents. Meanwhile, the Water Development Board is actively working to prevent further breaches, with Executive Engineer Dipak Ranjan Dash acknowledging cracks and ongoing monitoring across both the Surma and Kushiyara rivers.
