Over 5,000 homes damaged as storm, tidal surge hit Bhola

A severe storm, coupled with a tidal surge triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, wreaked havoc across Bhola on Friday (30 May), damaging over 5,000 homes and leaving thousands of residents in distress.

The coastal district experienced persistent inclement weather, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rising river levels inundating multiple areas. From early morning, overcast skies and intermittent showers gave way to more intense conditions, especially in remote char regions like Dhal Char.

According to local authorities, at least 5,200 houses were damaged, primarily in isolated upazilas such as Charfasson, Monpura, and Tajumuddin. Entire families have been displaced, while over a thousand cattle and livestock were reportedly swept away in the tidal onrush.

Shariful Islam, a resident of Dhal Char union, described the scene as catastrophic. "It came so fast. Many houses were destroyed… families are in extreme distress," he said. Similar devastation was reported in Rajapur union, where overflowing ponds washed away entire stocks of fish.

In addition to homes, critical infrastructure also suffered damage. Five platoons, including three stationed at Ilisha Launch Ghat, were destroyed. A local madrasa lost its entire tin roof to the storm.

Charfasson Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rasna Sarmin Methy confirmed that the unions of Dhal Char, Char Kukri-Mukri, and Mujibnagar were the hardest hit, with up to 800 goats and cows lost. Relief efforts are ongoing, with 500 food packages already distributed to affected families.

In Lalmohan upazila, unions like Lord Hardinge, Ramganj, Dhaligournagar, Char Bhuta, and Paschim Char Umed saw the complete destruction of 20 houses and partial damage to around 500 others. A 20-meter breach in the embankment at Purbo Syedabad flooded nearby villages, compounding the crisis.

Meanwhile, around 10,000 residents in areas like Char Kochuakhali and ward No. 9 of the municipality have been left waterlogged. In Monpura’s Kolatoli union, which lacks embankment protection, homes were submerged, and over 3,400 partially damaged.

Water Development Board-2 executive engineer Md Asfaud Doula reported embankment breaches in Syedabad (Lalmohan) and Swiss Gate (Tajumuddin), with repair work ongoing. Torrential waters also flooded thousands of fish ponds, leading to significant aquaculture losses.

Victims in Tajumuddin are now calling for the construction of permanent embankments to prevent future disasters. Bhola Deputy Commissioner Azad Jahan stated that dry food distribution has begun, and officials are working to prepare a list of the affected for further aid.