Flash flood and 'Afal' (Haor waves) in Sunamganj: Widespread damage and recovery updates
Persistent heavy rainfall and upstream mountain runoff since July 9, 2026, triggered flash flooding and destructive haor waves known as 'Afal' in Sunamganj. By July 13, rivers including the Surma, Kushiyara, Patlai, and Jadukata flowed above danger levels, causing widespread inundation and structural damage to homesteads and infrastructure across upazilas including Tahirpur, Bishwambarpur, Dharmapasha, Madhyanagar, Dowarabazar, Shalla, and Chhatak. By July 14-15, water levels began receding in some areas, but damage to education and healthcare services persists. District authorities maintained 1,311 shelters and medical teams to assist affected families, with the BGB providing medical care to over 500 people.
Hazard specifics
Flood category
Flash Flood
River
Surma, Kushiyara, Patlai, Jadukata
Water depth (m)
0.17
Affected scope
1 Record| Scope | Source wording |
|---|---|
| 12 · district | ১২টি উপজেলা |
12 · district
১২টি উপজেলাInvolved entities
4 RecordsSurma River
Kushiyara River
Patlai River
Jadukata River
Agencies deployed
Bangladesh Army
National military force for land-based operations and disaster response
Organized free medical camps to provide treatment and medicine to flood-affected people.
Relief items: Free medicine and medical care
Note: Assisted over 500 individuals in Laurgarh, Tahirpur.
Local Administration
District or Upazila level government authorities
Canceled leave for municipal officials, opened control rooms, prepared 1,311 shelters, and mobilized 1,056 medical teams.
Shelters opened: 1,311
Note: Continuous monitoring and operation of emergency control rooms.