Barguna Correspondent:

More than 50 homes across eight to 10 villages in Barguna have gone underwater as tidal waters, driven by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, flood the region’s swelling rivers, affecting thousands in the region.

The situation worsened on Saturday when the rising tide inundated the Baraitala–Bainchatki Ferry Terminal, suspending ferry services and severing road links between Barguna and Patharghata, Bamna, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, and Khulna. Both passengers and goods transporters were stranded.

According to Mahbuba Sukhi, senior observer at the Patuakhali Met Office, the area recorded 73.4mm of rainfall by 3pm Saturday.

She warned that the current conditions would persist for the next 24 hours. The sea remains under cautionary signal No. 3 and river ports under signal No. 1, with tidal waters expected to rise by 1-3ft.

While river waters are rising across the district, they remain below danger levels, said the Water Development Board.

For two days, the Bishkhali River has continued to swell. Eventually, the Baraitala–Bainchatki ferry terminal was submerged. Passengers were seen boarding ferries using small boats, causing long delays and distress.

Sultan, an easybike driver who gave a single name, was bound for Patharghata with grocery supplies. He said he was stuck as his small vehicle couldn’t board the ferry.

“I’ll only get paid if I reach Patharghata. If I can’t, there’s no income on Saturday,” he said.

Floodwaters have also submerged homes and roads in Potkakhali, Dhalua, Baraitala, Bainchatki, Kumarkhali, and Khejurtola. Many residents have been unable to cook for two days.

“I had to light a fire Friday after the water receded briefly. But today, even the stove is flooded,” said Fatema, a resident of Potkakhali shelter who also gave a single name.

Another local, Yunus Sikder says no public representatives have visited or provided aid. “Not even a packet of puffed rice,” he said.

Barguna Upazila Nirbahi (executive) Officer (UNO) Md Yasin Arafat Rana said he had yet to receive reports of flooding but was speaking to local officials.

“There’s no cyclone alert, and the water is expected to recede tomorrow,” he said.

The Met Office warned that rain and storm surges may affect 15 coastal districts over the next few days as the low-pressure system remains active over Bihar, India.