Sylhet Correspondent:

The flood situation in Sylhet has worsened. The continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days deteriorated the flood situation in the district for the second time in just 20 days.

The water of all major rivers in the district, including Surma-Kushiara, is flowing above the danger level till 9 am on Wednesday (June 19). Amid this, heavy rainfall is forecasted for the next 72 hours.

The district administration informs that about 7 lakh people have been stranded in water in Sylhet due to the floods caused by the hill slopes and heavy rains. Besides, 17,285 people took shelter in 627 shelters. Out of this, maximum 7,000 people are staying in various shelters in Companiganj.

The Water Development Board (WDB) fears that the flood situation will “further deteriorate”. Heavy rainfall is forecasted for the next 72 hours.

On the spot, it was seen that knee-deep water in houses in Shahjalal suburbs of the city, Ghasitula, Machimpur, Chararpar, Taltola, Kuarpar, Mendibagh, Kamalgarh, Chalibandar, Jatarpur, Sobhanighat, Kalighat, Sheikhghat, Taltala, and Jamtala.

The residents in these areas alleged that there was a “crisis of fresh water” due to the infiltration of sewage water in the reserve tank. Besides, the flood situation in the bordering Sadar upazila, Kanaighat, Companiganj, Gowainghat, Jakiganj and Jaintapur upazilas remains unchanged. The people of all those areas are in extreme trouble with cattle and livestock.

“Heavy rainfalls are still occurring in India,” said Sylhet WDB executive director Deepak Ranjan Talukder. For this, the water in the river is increasing rapidly. Everyone should be careful.

Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury said flood shelters have been opened in Sylhet city. Dry food is being distributed among the sheltered families. They will get the necessary services. The entire matter is kept under constant observation. The leave of the officers and employees of the city corporation has been canceled.

Sylhet DC Sheikh Russel Hasan said that the service is not interrupted even though the water rises in the government buildings in some upazilas. Normal operations in all institutions are continuing.