Heavy rainfall and upstream water surges have caused the Jamuna River’s water level to rise, leaving 12,000 families stranded in Sariakandi upazila of Bogra. On Thursday afternoon, the river was flowing 32cm above the danger mark.
In the past 24 hours, the water level in the Jamuna River increased by 68cm, causing severe waterlogging for approximately 12,000 families. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Touhidur Rahman reported that the upazila is now facing a flood situation.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) of Bogra, the danger level for the Jamuna River at Sariakandi is 16.25 meters. By 3 pm on Thursday, the water level had reached 16.57 meters, surpassing the danger mark by 32 cm. The rising water levels have resulted in strong currents and eddies in the river.
This increase has led to significant erosion in Shimultair and Manikdair villages of Chaluabari union and Ichamara village of Kamalpur union. The low-lying areas of Chaluabari, Kajla, Karnibari, Chandanbaisha, and Bohail unions have been flooded, forcing farmers to cut immature jute plants.
Seventy-five villages have been inundated, affecting 41,370 people from 11,970 families across various unions, including Sariakandi municipality, Hatsherpur, Chaluabari, Kajla, Karnibari, Bohail, Kamalpur, Chandanbaisha, Qutubpur, Sariakandi Sadar, Narchi, Fulbari, and Velabari. Floodwaters have completely submerged 58 houses and partially flooded 190 houses. Additionally, 50 km of unpaved roads are underwater.
The Upazila Agriculture Office reported that 530 hectares of land belonging to 2,860 families have been flooded. Water levels have also risen in the grounds of 1,500 tubewells and 31 government primary schools, and eight fish farms covering 5.37 hectares have been inundated.
UNO Touhidur Rahman stated that flood information has been collected from various departments. People trapped in floodwaters are using boats for movement. A control room has been opened, and a preparatory meeting has been held to address the flood situation. Miking, rescue boats, and other engine-run boats are on standby in all areas. Additionally, six flood shelter centers and several educational institutions have been prepared to accommodate those affected.
