Floods cause Tk855cr loss to fisheries sector in Noakhali, Lakshmipur

Severe flooding in the Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts has caused significant damage to the fisheries sector, resulting in a combined loss of Tk855 crore.

In Lakshmipur, 40,000 ponds across five upazilas were swept away by the floods, leading to widespread fish losses. Thousands of fish have been washed away into rivers and canals, affecting over 300 villages in the district. 

District fisheries officer Billal Hossain estimated the initial loss at Tk240 crore but warned that the actual figure could be higher.

Sarwar Zaman, senior upazila fisheries officer, noted that many farmers in the upazila have been left destitute by the floods.

“Many have lost all of their fish, and they urgently need assistance. We have already brought this matter to the attention of higher authorities,” he added.

The situation in Noakhali was equally dire, with 83 unions in nine upazilas impacted by the floods. 

Iqbal Hossain, fisheries officer in Noakhali district, said over 85,000 fish were lost from ponds, and the fishing infrastructure suffered extensive damage in the district. 

He stated that the total loss to fish farming alone was estimated at Tk555 crore, with an additional Tk615 crore in losses to other infrastructure.

Thousands of fish farmers in both districts have been left devastated by the floods, facing significant financial hardship and struggling to pay off debts. Begumganj and Companyganj upazilas were particularly hit hard.