Flash Flood Destroys Bridge in Sherpur

Heavy rainfall and flash floods triggered by runoff from India’s Meghalaya hills have caused severe flooding across parts of Sherpur district, inundating low-lying communities and destroying infrastructure. One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in Nalitabari Upazila, where a steel Bailey bridge over the Chellakhali River collapsed under the force of the floodwaters, sweeping several people into the raging current.

According to local officials, water levels in the Chellakhali River rose rapidly from Monday (20 July), flowing 324 centimetres above the official danger level. Water levels in the Bhogai and Maharashi rivers also continued to rise, leaving large areas of Nalitabari under water. The sudden flooding stranded more than 200 families in several villages of Kalashpar and Jogania unions, disrupting daily life and cutting off local communications.

Residents said the Bailey bridge at Noyapara South Sannyasibhita in Baghber Union eventually gave way after being battered by powerful currents. A widely shared video believed to have been recorded at the scene showed floodwater rushing across the bridge as four people, including two children, attempted to cross on foot. Moments later, the structure tilted and collapsed into the river.

The footage captured a chaotic scene as those on the bridge desperately tried to cling to the handrails before being swept away. Onlookers could be heard shouting, “Oh Allah, save them,” as the bridge disappeared beneath the torrent.

Police later confirmed that all four people, including the two children, were rescued alive following the incident.

Nalitabari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ashikur Zaman said emergency responders reached the area quickly after receiving reports of the collapse and ensured that the victims were safely rescued.

The flooding has affected three upazilas in Sherpur district following several consecutive days of heavy rainfall and continuous inflows from upstream. Rivers including the Bhogai, Chellakhali, Maharashi, Kalaghosha, Someshwari and Karnajhora have all been flowing above their danger levels, increasing the risk of further flooding.

Floodwater has also overtopped sections of the Sherpur–Gazirkhamar–Nalitabari road at Balughata Gollar Par, forcing vehicles to pass through fast-moving water despite the obvious risks. In neighbouring Jhenaigati Upazila, water entered the main market area, damaging businesses and leaving residents of at least eight to ten low-lying villages marooned.

Agriculture and fisheries have also suffered significant losses. Strong currents have washed away more than a hundred fish enclosures, while summer vegetable fields and newly planted Aman rice seedbeds have been submerged, raising concerns over the livelihoods of local farmers.

Local authorities have begun emergency relief operations in the affected areas. Jhenaigati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Al Amin travelled by boat to distribute dry food and relief supplies to stranded families. Sherpur Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin also visited flood-hit communities and said the district administration had taken all necessary preparations to respond to the emergency. She added that stocks of rice, dry food and other essential relief materials had been arranged for families affected by the floods as officials continued to monitor the evolving situation.