Local
Death Toll from Sonai Boat Capsize Rises to Six Amid Floods
Sonai – A tragic boat capsizing in the floodwaters of Sonai East on June 3 has resulted in the deaths of six individuals. The incident occurred around 12:45 PM, when a boat carrying ten passengers from Madhurbandi village to Sonai Bazar was overwhelmed by heavy rain and strong winds.
Initially, four passengers managed to cling to an electricity pole until rescued, while five others, including 13-year-old Manowar Ahmed, were swept away. Manowar’s body was the first to be recovered, and intensive search operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) ensued to locate the remaining missing individuals.
By Tuesday morning, the bodies of the four missing persons were found, bringing the total death toll to six. The victims have been identified as Arif Ahmed (25), Taibur Rahman (32), Abul Hasan Ahmed (35), Amir Uddin Ahmed (54), Jamal Uddin Ahmed (55), and Manowar Hossain Ahmed (13).
A collective funeral prayer was held at Amjurghat Tri-Junction for five of the deceased, attended by nearly 5,000 people. The bodies were then transported to North Mohanpur for burial, with one being interred at a relative’s house in Sadhinbazar. Despite the dangers, the families had to use boats to transport the deceased due to the flooded conditions.
This incident highlights the severe impact of the floods on the region, disrupting normal life and making transportation extremely challenging. The local community has rallied together to support the grieving families, showcasing unity in this time of sorrow.
The tragic event also underscores ongoing infrastructure challenges, as expressed by local residents and representatives regarding the incomplete road work that has left the area vulnerable and disconnected during such natural calamities.
