CHATTOGRAM, July 12: Floods caused by days of continuous heavy rainfall since July 5 and hilly runoff have inflicted extensive damage on the agricultural and fisheries sectors of Chattogram.
The collapse of pond and enclosure embankments has resulted in the loss of fish worth millions of taka.
According to preliminary estimates by the District Fisheries Department and the Department of Agricultural Extension, approximately 10,000 ponds and shrimp enclosures across 153 unions in Chattogram have been damaged by the floods.
Besides, vast tracts of land have been submerged, inundating Aus paddy crops, Aman seedbeds, and seasonal vegetable fields. During the same period, over 14,000 hectares of agricultural land in the district were submerged.
Officials concerned believe the extent of the damage could rise further following final field-level verification.
A report by the District Fisheries Office reveals that fish farming operations across 153 unions in the district's 15 upazilas have suffered damage, affecting 9,933 ponds and large tanks, 320 shrimp enclosures, and approximately 4,112 hectares of water bodies. The total financial loss regarding fish and fishery resources stands at Tk 914 million.
Banshkhali Upazila suffered the most extensive damage. There, the loss amounted to Tk 415 million as fish were washed away from 2,500 ponds, 310 shrimp enclosures, and approximately 1,970 hectares of water bodies. Satkania sustained the second-highest level of damage; preliminary estimates indicate a loss of Tk 107.6 million due to damage to fish farming across 466 hectares of water bodies.
Besides, damage estimates indicate losses of Tk 15 million across 1,100 ponds and 10 shrimp enclosures in Anwara; Tk 12.35 million across 412 ponds in Sandwip; Tk 9.8 million across 97 ponds in Mirsharai; Tk 9.8 million across 270 ponds in Rangunia; Tk 9.3 million across 90 ponds in Raozan; and Tk 1.5 million across 10 ponds in Sitakunda, in Lohagara, Tk 84.8 million was allocated for 1,620 ponds; in Karnaphuli, Tk 60.8 million for 557 ponds; in Chandanaish, Tk 59.375 million for 383 ponds; in Boalkhali, Tk 45.135 million for 756 ponds; in Patiya, Tk 36.845 million for 1,435 ponds; in Fatikchhari, Tk 27.0 million for 533 ponds; and in Hathazari, Tk 19.827 million for 170 ponds.
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