Comilla Devastated as Storm Damages 1,733 Hectares of Crops

Severe pre-monsoon thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall have caused extensive disruption across Comilla district in south-eastern Bangladesh, leaving widespread damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life. The prolonged spell of adverse weather over several days has severely affected normal activity across the region’s 17 upazilas.

Between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, the district recorded fluctuating rainfall patterns. On Tuesday alone, Comilla experienced approximately 102 millimetres of rainfall, while a further 36.2 millimetres was recorded over the subsequent 24 hours. Although rainfall intensity slightly decreased on Wednesday, intermittent showers and gusty winds continued to affect the region.

Agricultural Losses Across the District

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Comilla, a total of 1,733 hectares of cropland have been damaged due to the storms. The affected areas include key seasonal crops such as maize, summer vegetables, sesame, and mature Boro rice fields. While a significant portion of the rice crop had already reached near maturity, reducing the overall impact, concerns remain regarding waterlogging if rainfall persists.

Officials noted that approximately 23% of the Boro rice had already been harvested. Although most remaining fields were close to maturity, prolonged water retention could still result in post-harvest losses due to rotting and lodging.

Severe Disruption to Electricity Supply

The power distribution network suffered extensive damage across all 17 upazilas. Fallen trees damaged overhead lines, leading to the collapse of over a hundred electric poles. At least fifty transformers were reported damaged, while nearly 1,500 locations experienced disruptions due to debris and vegetation falling on transmission lines. As a result, large rural areas have remained without electricity for more than 24 hours.

A senior official from the rural electricity authority in Comilla stated that restoration efforts were underway but hindered by limited manpower and repeated damage from successive storms. Temporary repairs conducted earlier in the week were again destroyed by renewed gusts and rainfall.

Weather Conditions and Ongoing Alerts

Meteorological officials in Comilla reported significant pressure variations over the Bay of Bengal, indicating early signs of cyclone formation. Inland river ports have been advised to maintain cautionary signal number three. Forecasts suggest that unstable weather conditions may persist for at least another 24 hours, with continued chances of lightning and thunderstorms.

Wind speeds, which reached 62–65 kilometres per hour on Tuesday, have since reduced but remain variable. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement due to the risk of lightning-related incidents, which have already caused fatalities across the country.

Urban Flooding and Public Hardship

In Comilla city, heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging on major roads, administrative buildings, and educational institutions. Inadequate drainage systems and blocked canals contributed to widespread inundation, causing significant hardship for residents.

Students preparing for national examinations were particularly affected. Several examination centres experienced power outages, forcing candidates to sit tests under emergency lighting. In some locations, water entered classrooms, compelling students to complete examinations in flooded conditions.

Municipal authorities have acknowledged long-standing drainage deficiencies and ongoing efforts to clear blocked canals. Emergency cleaning operations are currently underway, though officials concede that sustained rainfall continues to hinder progress.