The flood situation in Jamalpur has worsened, leaving approximately 300,000 people marooned due to the continuous rise of water levels in the Jamuna and other rivers. As of 11 am on Friday, Rafiqul Islam, the executive engineer of Jamalpur Water Development Board, reported that the water level at the Bahadurabad Ghat point in Dewanganj had risen by 4 cm in the last 24 hours, reaching 55 cm above the danger level. At the Jagannathganj Ghat point in Sarishabari, it rose by 7 cm, reaching 94 cm above the danger level.
Although the floodwaters had receded over the past three days, they have surged again, causing severe distress to the affected residents. Many who had returned to their homes are now moving back to shelters. As floodwaters continue to inundate more areas, new regions are being submerged daily.
The floods have submerged 50 unions in Dewanganj, Islampur, Bakshiganj, Sarishabari, Melandah, and Madarganj upazilas, affecting several thousand hectares of agricultural land and disrupting roads and highways. Zakia Sultana, Deputy Director of the Jamalpur Department of Agricultural Extension, reported that 8,000 hectares of cropland have been submerged. Additionally, 19 community clinics, 259 primary schools, and 88 secondary schools have suspended classes.
Jamalpur District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Alamgir Hossain stated, “Some 15 shelters have been opened for flood victims. The submersion of various local and rural roads has complicated transportation, adding to the hardship. The affected areas face severe shortages of food, drinking water, baby food, and fodder. Relief efforts have distributed 540 tons of rice, Tk750,000 in cash, and 4,050 packets of dry food to the victims.”
