The aquaculture sector in Noakhali and Lakshmipur has suffered massive losses due to severe flooding, with an estimated financial impact of USD 72 million. The flooding has devastated thousands of fish ponds and farms across both districts.
In Lakshmipur, around 40,000 ponds across five upazilas have been swept away, washing thousands of fish into nearby rivers and canals, which has affected more than 300 villages. District fisheries officer Billal Hossain initially estimated the losses about USD 20 million, though the final figure is expected to be higher.
Senior upazila fisheries officer Sarwar Zaman emphasized the dire situation, noting that many local fish farmers have been left financially ruined. He highlighted the urgent need for assistance and mentioned that the issue had been raised with higher authorities.
In Noakhali, the aquaculture situation is similarly catastrophic. Flooding in 83 unions across nine upazilas resulted in the loss of over 85,000 fish and significant damage to fishing infrastructure. According to fisheries officer Iqbal Hossain, the financial loss in Noakhali’s fish farming sector alone is estimated about USD 46 million, with further damages of USD 51 million to additional infrastructure.
Farmers in both districts face extreme financial hardship as they struggle to recover from the destruction. Areas like Begumganj and Companyganj upazilas were particularly hard hit by the floods, leaving thousands of farmers grappling with debt and economic ruin.
The flood’s impact on the aquaculture sector in Noakhali and Lakshmipur underscores the urgent need for governmental intervention and financial relief to support affected farmers in rebuilding their livelihoods.
