Some 600 kilometers of roads in Sunamganj have been damaged in the two phases of the recent flooding.

According to the primary estimation of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Sunamganj, the collapses of bridges and culverts have caused damages worth Tk450 crore.

Besides, because of the severe damage of 19 important roads, traffic movement has come to a halt there.

The first phase of flood occurred in the district from June 25-29. The second phase of the flood started on July 9 and is still continuing.

Now the water level has decreased to some extent as there is no onrush of upstream water or rain. But roads are still collapsing and, in some areas, they have been damaged completely.

The local engineering department said the real scenario of actual damages would be available once the flood waters recede. 

Mahbubur Rahman, executive engineer of the Sunamganj LGED, said, "About 600 kilometers of roads have been damaged, including 40 bridges and culverts."

The initial loss was around Tk450 crore. However, if the water recedes, they will get the picture of complete damage, he added.

Sources said the first phase of the flood caused communication interruption in the Uzzalpur area of Jamalganj-Sunamganj road. More than 100 meters of the road was broken there.

In the Dohalia-Noagaon area of ​​the Chhatak-Sunamganj road, about 350 metres of paved road have been completely destroyed.

On top of that, 19 important roads have been damaged in different places and the traffic movement has stopped completely.

Consequently, direct road communication of Sunamganj with other districts and among upazilas is closed in these areas. The damage may increase as the roads are still submerged. 

Sources also said most of the roads along the Surma River and border areas have been damaged.

The elected representatives of the local government are afraid that it may cause a long-term communication disorder for the locals.

Abu Hena Aziz, chairman of the Pandargaon Union Parishad, said, "About 350 meters of land in the Noagaon area under ​​my union, including bridges, has been disconnected. Now the communication of Chhatak-Doara with the district headquarters is closed. There will be more damages as the roads are still under water."