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Normalcy returning to Khagrachhari

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 5:48 GMT by The Daily Star
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Normalcy Returning to Khagrachari After Devastating Floods

The eastern district of Khagrachari, located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is gradually resuming its ordinary rhythm following the catastrophic floods that battered the region in early August. Over a month ago, rising water levels from the Pussara and Kaptai rivers inundated homes, roads, and farmlands, leaving thousands displaced and infrastructure crippled. Today, the community is witnessing the slow but steady recovery process that combines government aid, local resilience, and a renewed sense of hope.

The Aftermath of the Floods

When the rains began to intensify, Khagrachari’s riverbanks were quickly overwhelmed. The Pussara River swelled to record levels, while the Kaptai Reservoir released water at a rate that surpassed normal discharge limits. Residents were forced to abandon their houses and flee to temporary shelters set up by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and local NGOs. According to the district administration, approximately 18,000 people were affected, with around 5,000 households permanently displaced.

Infrastructure damage was extensive. Bridges over the Pussara River collapsed, cutting off the district’s main artery to the capital, Dhaka. Roads were washed away, and the district’s primary health facility sustained significant water damage. Many schools were closed for weeks as teachers and students awaited safe pathways back to their homes.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (DMR) swiftly dispatched emergency teams to the area. Within 48 hours of the flooding, the DMR coordinated the delivery of essential supplies—canned food, rice, bottled water, and sanitary kits—to Khagrachari’s emergency shelters. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) assisted in opening flood gates downstream to regulate water levels, while the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics launched a rapid assessment to gauge the extent of damage to agricultural lands.

In addition to immediate relief, the government has pledged a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Chief Minister, Md. Anisul Haque, announced a budget of 2.5 billion Bangladeshi taka for reconstruction. Key components of this budget include:

• Rebuilding Infrastructure: Reconstructing bridges, roads, and public buildings with flood-resistant designs.
• Agricultural Rehabilitation: Providing seed, fertilizers, and veterinary support to revive crops destroyed by the flood.
• Health and Education: Restoring healthcare facilities and reopening schools with necessary sanitation upgrades.

The local government also organized community meetings to gather input from residents on rebuilding priorities. These meetings have fostered a collaborative atmosphere, ensuring that reconstruction aligns with the specific needs of Khagrachari’s diverse population, including indigenous groups such as the Chakma and Marma communities.

Community Resilience and Local Initiatives

While the government’s interventions are vital, much of the day-to-day recovery has been driven by grassroots initiatives. Local NGOs, including the Khagrachari Community Development Association and the Bangladesh Center for Human Rights, have been instrumental in mobilizing volunteers for debris removal, distribution of relief kits, and monitoring the health of vulnerable populations.

Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) have played a pivotal role in restoring livelihoods. These groups organized small-scale cottage industries—knitting, weaving, and pottery—to supplement household incomes while awaiting larger economic opportunities. In the rural outskirts, community members have begun replanting mangrove seedlings along the riverbanks to enhance natural flood defenses. This ecological approach, championed by environmental activists, aims to create a dual benefit: protecting against future floods and boosting biodiversity.

In addition, the local media has highlighted personal stories of resilience. For instance, a 62-year-old fisherman, Abdul Rahman, who lost his entire catch in the flood, has started a small cooperative to supply fresh fish to nearby markets. Similarly, a schoolteacher, Lata Boro, has taken on the responsibility of running a mobile library for children who have lost access to education due to damaged schools.

The Path Forward

Despite the positive strides, challenges remain. The district still grapples with a shortage of clean drinking water in certain villages, as the municipal water supply has yet to be fully restored. Some families have begun to rebuild their homes without adhering to flood-resistant building codes, risking future damage. Moreover, the agricultural sector, particularly rice and cassava cultivation, is still in a precarious state, with many farmers lacking sufficient resources to restart planting.

To address these issues, the government has instituted a series of monitoring mechanisms. The District Disaster Management Committee will conduct quarterly reviews of infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with national standards. In parallel, the Ministry of Rural Development has scheduled training sessions for local farmers on climate-resilient agricultural practices.

A Return to Normalcy

Today, as Khagrachari’s residents stroll along the partially rebuilt riverbank, they witness a familiar landscape reemerging from the scars of disaster. Children are playing in the reclaimed green spaces, and market stalls bustle with vendors selling fresh produce. While the scars of the flood will linger for years—both physically and emotionally—there is a growing conviction that the district’s recovery will usher in a more resilient, adaptive future.

The experience has reinforced the importance of early warning systems, community engagement, and sustainable development. With ongoing support from national authorities, local stakeholders, and international partners, Khagrachari stands poised not just to return to its pre-flood status, but to evolve into a district that can withstand the climatic uncertainties ahead.