Cyclone Yaas: fish farmers in Patuakhali looking at Tk 55cr loss

Fish of 7,585 ponds and ghers have been washed away by flood due to Cyclone Yaas in Patuakhali. This has caused Tk 55.44 crore financial loss to the fish farmers.

Patuakhali District Fisheries Department has informed the higher authorities to rehabilitate the affected farmers.

According to the Water Development Board, a large area of ​​Patuakhali has been inundated due to the impact of Cyclone Yaas. The currents of the main rivers have flowed above the danger level of 74 cm, which is more compared to last year's Cyclone Amphan – resulting in flooding of several fish farms in Kalapara, Rangabali and Galachipa upazilas.

According to the District Fisheries Office, 1,742 ponds and 605 ghers in Kalapara Upazila, 1,167 ponds and 63 ghers in Dashmina, 1,142 ponds and 123 ghers in Baufal, 755 ponds in Sadar, 308 ponds and 850 ghers in Rangabali, 185 ponds and 40 ghers in Mirzaganj, 105 ponds in Galachipa and 500 ponds in Dumki have been flooded.

Chalitabunia UP Chairman Zahidur Rahman said, the area is vulnerable and unprotected as the embankment was destroyed a long time ago.

The entire union has been inundated with tidal water as the embankment has not been repaired. Fish in ponds and ghers have been washed away. Fish farmers need financial support, he said.

Rangabali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mashfaqur Rahman said that water has entered the locality through embankment due to excessive tidal pressure. As a result, many ponds and ghers in the area have been submerged and the fish have been washed away.

Patuakhali District Fisheries Officer Mollah Emdadullah said at least 7585 ponds and ghers' fish worth Tk 55.44 crore have been washed away in Patuakhali. The list of affected fish farmers has been sent to the higher authorities. Once allocated, it will be distributed among the farmers, he said.