Tidal waves severely impacting on wildlife of Sundarbans

Water levels of rivers have risen above the normal astronomical tide due to the deep depression in the Bay. Photo from Bhairab River Dak Bungalow ghat, Satkhita by Bishnu Prosad Chakrabarti

Bagerhat, May 29 - A severe tidal surge triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has flooded vast low-lying areas in Bagerhat, causing hardship for thousands of residents and threatening both wildlife and aquaculture.

Among the casualties is a deer, found dead in the Sundarbans, while a fawn was rescued after being swept away by rising waters.

Heavy rains combined with a 2- to 3-foot rise in tidal water levels inundated key parts of the coastal district on Thursday including urban areas of Bagerhat town.

Roads in Sadhanar Mor, Rahater Mor, Main Road, Dakbungalow Mor, Nager Bazar, and the central market were submerged, disrupting transportation and affecting local businesses.

The situation has worsened in the Sundarbans where floodwaters have inundated large swathes of forest. Animals, including tigers and deer, are reportedly in distress as they seek shelter from the surging tides.

According to the Forest Department, a dead deer was recovered from Dublar Char, and a fawn swept away from Shelar Char was rescued and later released after treatment.

“The tide is flowing through parts of the forest at heights of 2 to 3 feet,” said Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans Division. “We’ve instructed all forest staff to remain vigilant.”

Beyond the Sundarbans, tidal flooding has hit the upazilas of Rampal, Mongla, Sarankhola, and Morrelganj, with vulnerable embankments exacerbating the crisis.

The Water Development Board reported that 800 meters of embankments, particularly in Sharankhola and Morelganj, are in critical condition. If water levels rise another four feet, a 10-kilometer stretch could be breached, inundating surrounding villages.

Abu Raihan Mohammad Al-Biruni, Executive Engineer of the Bagerhat Water Development Board, said 338 km of embankments exist across the district, but Rampal and Mongla lack any protective barriers. “Proposals have been submitted for constructing 95 km of new embankments,” he added.

Suman Fakir, president of the Bagerhat District Shrimp Farmers Association, warned that thousands of shrimp enclosures (gher) are at risk. “If the rain continues and the tides rise further, fish and shrimp in Rampal, Mongla, Morelganj, and Sharankhola could be washed away,” he said.

Harun-or-Rashid, acting officer at the Mongla Meteorological Office, said that the sea remains highly turbulent. Mongla Port has been placed under Signal No. 3, and 47 mm of rainfall was recorded in the last 24 hours. Rain is forecast to persist for two to three more days.

Locals, particularly in Bagerhat town, expressed concerns over chronic waterlogging. “Even minor rainfall floods the main roads,” said one frustrated shopkeeper. “Our businesses suffer every time it rains, and there’s no proper drainage system.” - UNB