The flood situation in Sherpur district has worsened, claiming three lives and leaving hundreds stranded as water from India's Meghalaya continues to flood over 100 villages.
The disaster has impacted three upazilas—Nalitabari, Jhinaigati, Nokla, and Sreebardi—affecting 122 villages across 20 unions.
In Nalitabari upazila, three people, including a woman, were swept away by floodwaters, according to OC Sanwar Hossain. The victims include Rahija Begum, 40, from Baghber union’s Baluchar area, and 75-year-old farmer Idris Ali from Andharupara in Nayabil Union.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with the army, local volunteers, and fire service teams working to evacuate stranded residents. Over 1,000 families have already been relocated to safer areas.
In Jhinaigati’s Dighirpar village, volunteers from Rapid Response BD (RRBD) rescued a 3-month-old baby who had been placed on a ceiling to escape rising floodwaters. The baby and the family were safely evacuated by a team from Mymensingh.
The situation continues to deteriorate, with all unions in Nalitabari and Jhinaigati submerged. Crops, livestock, poultry, and homes have been destroyed, leaving many farmers devastated. Roads are either flooded or severely damaged, further complicating relief efforts.
Schools have been designated as temporary shelters by local authorities. Control rooms have been set up, and relief efforts are being coordinated by dedicated teams.
All unions, including Nalitabari municipality, are severely affected. Shelters have been established at Garkanda Government Primary School and Taraganj Women's Madrasa. Emergency equipment, such as speedboats and life jackets, has been arranged to support rescue and relief operations.
Jhenaigati Upazila Agriculture Officer Humayun Dildar reported that Aman rice was cultivated on 14,500 hectares of land this year. Of this, 4,500 hectares are completely submerged, while 5,500 hectares are partially underwater. If the water doesn’t recede soon, farmers will face significant losses.
In Nalitabari upazila, Agriculture Officer Abdul Wadud said that 23,200 hectares of Aman rice were planted this season. Around 8,000 hectares are now submerged. Although water levels have dropped in some areas, low-lying regions remain flooded, damaging crops and washing away fish from farmers' ponds.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tarafdar Mahmudur Rahman confirmed that the flood situation in Sherpur is worsening. The district administration is providing dry food and cattle fodder to those affected, urging everyone to cooperate during the crisis.
BDST: 1334 HRS, OCT 05, 2024
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