Flood Situation slightly improves in Sirajganj but suffering persists

Sirajganj Correspondent: Due to reduced water flow in the Jamuna River, the flood situation in parts of Sirajganj has shown some improvement.

However, the residents in flood-hit areas continued to suffer and instances of inundation are still prevalent in many places.

Currently, the water level of the Jamuna River is flowing 32 centimeters below the danger mark.

According to sources, last week’s heavy rains and upstream swelling have unnaturally increased the water level of the Jamuna River.

As a result, 37 unions including the riverside areas of Chauhali, Belkuchi, Shahjadpur, Kazipur and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas have been affected by floods. Thousands of people in flood-hit areas are still stranded, causing damage to crops such as sesame, jute, and rice. Particularly, many families in affected areas of Sirajganj have sought refuge in local embankments and educational institutions, where schooling remains suspended.

The floodwaters have also created a crisis of drinking water and sanitation in affected areas, forcing the local Public Health Engineering Department to supply drinking water through automated machines in various locations of Kazipur upazila.

Moreover, due to the receding water levels of the Jamuna River, instances of erosion have begun in many places of the five affected upazilas.

Akhtaruzzaman, relief and rehabilitation officer in the district, said that nearly one lakh people have been affected by flooding in 34 unions of the five upazilas along the banks of the Jamuna River.

Already, 100 metric tonnes of rice and Tk 500,000 have been allocated for the flood-affected people, he said.

Mukhlesur Rahman, Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development in Bogura region, visited the flood-prone areas and embankments of Kazipur in Sirajganj. During this time, he assured that continuous monitoring is being maintained in various places including the Meghai spur embankment, Hatpachil, and Chauhali’s flood-prone areas, and officials and employees are vigilant day and night in flood-prone areas. If any problem is noticed, GeoBags or GeoTubes will be deployed to prevent erosion. Local Water Development Board officials have been instructed to remain vigilant, he said.