Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff caused the Matamuhuri River embankment to collapse in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, flooding large parts of the upazila. The breach occurred late Thursday night into Friday morning in East Mehernama area of Sadar Union, submerging homes, roads, schools, mosques, and fish enclosures. More than one hundred thousand residents have been trapped in waterlogged conditions, facing acute shortages of clean water, food, and medicine.

Local residents said hundreds of volunteers tried to reinforce the embankment with sandbags, but the effort failed under heavy rain and tidal pressure. Several unions, including Ujantia, Rajakhali, Magnama, Toitong, Shilkhali, Barbakia, and Sadar, remain inundated. Locals blamed illegal fishing traps and blocked drainage channels for worsening the flooding, alleging that a powerful group controls sluice gates and water flow for seasonal farming.

Pekua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rafiqul Islam said the administration is monitoring the situation and coordinating with authorities to prevent further damage. Relief and emergency support preparations are underway for affected families.