The houses of three unions under Rajibpur upazila of Kurigram distric goes under water during the ongoing flood. Photo: Observer
The ongoing flood situation has taken a severe turn, submerging Rajibpur upazila in Kurigram district for four to five days.
The water level at the Chilmarai point of the Brahmaputra River has risen 78 centimeters above the danger level, inundating new areas as water levels continue to rise.
Meanwhile, the floodwaters have entered the premises of the Rajibpur Upazila Parishad and the local food warehouse, raising concerns that the stored rice may get spoiled.
Some educational institutions of Rajibpur upazila in Kurigram district have been submerged. Photo: Observer
One-third of the upazila’s population is also waterlogged now. Besides, the all educational institutions, including those conducting the ongoing half-yearly exams for secondary schools, have been temporarily suspended in the upazila.
Water Development Board in Kurigram predicted that the flood situation and water level may remain stable for the next 24 hours.
Reports indicate that 80% of the areas in the three unions of the upazila, including rural roads and arable lands, are submerged.
Additionally, there is a severe shortage of clean water and food among the flood-hit people. People are in dire straits, struggling with their livestock amidst the floods.
Kodalkati Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Humayun Kabir Sakku and Mohanganj UP Chairman Anwar Hossain reported that 90% of their areas are affected by the floods. They mentioned that the amount of relief provided is insufficient compared to the needs, and they demanded more relief.
According to Rajibpur Upazila Relief and Disaster Rehabilitation Department, 70,000 people from 25,000 families in the upazila have been affected by the floods, and the number is expected to rise.
As of Saturday, 15 tons of rice and dry food have been distributed among 1,300 families in the three unions of Rajibpur Upazila.
Rajibpur Upazila Parishad Chairman Shafiul Alam and Executive Officer Tanvir Ahmed stated that rice and dry food have been distributed among the flood-affected people, and the distribution process is ongoing.
However, the officials claimed that the assistances have been given to the flood-hit people, but the locals claimed the opposite and alleged they didn't get any type of assistance from anyone.
Locals claimed that they are surviving with their wives and children on makeshift platforms inside the house. Despite being marooned for several days, no one went to them and provide any relief.
"All areas of three unions of the upazila were submurged and we are in trouble with our lives and livestocks," they added.
Rokeya Begum, a resident of Nuru Fakir char in the upazila, said, "We were on the makeshift platforms for three days, now the water is on the platform. With no place to take shelter, we built a new platform on the beams of the house."
Halima and Nasima from the same area said, "We were on the platform, but now that it is also flooded, we have moved to a relative's house in Dhakaiya Para village. We haven’t received any assistance from anyone."
