Dhaka: Thousands of people have become isolated as low-lying areas of Chapainawabganj have been inundated following a continuous rise in the water level of the Padma River over the past seven days.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the water level of the Padma, swollen by upstream water flow, is approaching the warning level. Low-lying areas of Shahjahanpur, Alatuli, and Narayanpur unions of Sadar upazila and Panka, Uzirpur, and Durlabhpur unions of Shibganj upazila have been inundated, forcing many residents to move to safer places.
The District Water Development Board stated that there is no possibility of the river crossing the danger mark. At 9 am today, the Padma water level rose by 11 centimetres in 24 hours and was flowing 36 centimetres below its danger level of 22.05 metres.
Around 362 hectares of Aman-Aus paddy, summer onion, and vegetables have gone underwater, Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension, agriculturalist Atikul Islam, reported. Furthermore, approximately 13 educational institutions in Sadar and Shibganj have also been inundated, leading to temporary suspension of classes.
Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, S M Ahsan Habib, mentioned that the water levels of the district's three major rivers-the Padma, Mahananda, and Punarbhaba-may rise until Friday, but none is likely to cross the danger mark. However, he cautioned that further rise in water could increase damage in low-lying areas.
The local administration has advised residents of riverbank and low-lying areas to remain alert.