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Incessant rain and upstream runoff have led to a severe breach in the Khowai river embankment in Habiganj Sadar upazila, Bangladesh, submerging 30 villages and leaving an estimated 30,000 people stranded. The breach occurred at two points, causing significant flooding in low-lying areas.

Around 1,000 individuals have sought refuge in makeshift shelters as floodwaters inundated their homes, with some experiencing waist-deep water. The situation remains precarious as water levels in other rivers, including the Kushiyara, are also crossing danger levels, raising fears of further widespread flooding. Residents in vulnerable areas are on edge, closely monitoring the rising waters.

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I managed to move my family, cattle and essentials to safety. Authorities must repair the dam swiftly and provide relief to affected families.

Local farmer Abdul Karim described the suddenness of the dam's failure, managing to move his family and belongings to safety. He urged authorities to swiftly repair the embankment and provide essential relief to affected families. Md Saheb Ali, a union parishad member, reported that over 100 feet of the embankment collapsed rapidly, submerging numerous villages and affecting thousands of families.

Habiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah-Abu-Zaher confirmed the scale of the displacement, while District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Alamgir Hossain detailed the emergency aid allocated. This includes Tk 5 lakh in cash, 100 tonnes of rice, and 1,820 packets of dry food, with a significant portion already distributed. Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sharfaraz has directed the arrangement of 83 shelters and urged residents, particularly the vulnerable, to evacuate to safety.

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Over 100 feet of embankment collapsed within half an hour, flooding villages including Noabad, Charhamua, Adyapasha, Bangaon Kaliganj, Sughar and Katiadi. Homes of at least 2,000 families were submerged, with waist-deep water inside houses.