TDS Desk:

Continuous rainfall and runoff have raised the Jamuna River’s water level at Sirajganj Point, stranding over 100,000 people.

The water level rose by 8 cm in the past 24 hours to 6am on Friday and was flowing 45 cm above the danger mark. At Kazipur Point, the water flowed 25 cm above the danger mark, according to the Water Development Board.

With the rising water levels, people in the char and low-lying areas are facing severe shortages of shelter, sanitation, clean water, and food.

Many are taking refuge on higher ground and in the homes of others as water enters their residences. The plight of the flood-affected people seems endless.

Grazing land for livestock has been submerged, leading to a crisis in animal feed and housing.

The government’s relief materials are reportedly insufficient compared to the demand, according to those affected. Crops in the char and low-lying areas have also been flooded. Educational activities have been halted as schools have been inundated. Riverbank erosion is also continuing unabated in the Kazipur, Chauhali, and Shahjadpur Upazilas.

At least 103,594 people from 23,306 families in 34 unions of five Upazilas in the district have been stranded by the floodwaters, according to Md Akhtaruzzaman, the district’s relief and rehabilitation officer. Relief efforts have so far included the distribution of 133 tonnes of rice, Tk 500,000 in cash, and 300 packets of dry food.

An additional stock of 1,167 tonnes of rice, Tk 2 million, and 700 packets of dry food is still available, he added. The current flooding has resulted in the deaths of four people in boat capsizes and four others from drowning in the district’s Sadar, Shahjadpur, and Chauhali Upazilas, said Akhtaruzzaman.

Sirajganj WDB Executive Engineer Md Mahabubur Rahman said the water level of the Jamuna River might rise slightly on Friday but is expected to decrease from Saturday.

There is no risk of more flooding in the region this month, he added. Source: bdnews24.com