Flood situation in the low-lying areas of Kurigram district has seen improvement as the water level in the Teesta River decreased.
Kurigram Water Development Board officials said the water levels of all rivers flowing through the district, including the Teesta, Dharala, and Dudhkumar, are currently below the danger mark due to the decreased of rainfall and upstream water flow.
They said that Teesta water level has been dropped by 39 centimeters over the past 24 hours. Besides, the floodwaters receded in the low-lying areas and char regions of the river basin.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 431 hectares of Aman fields and other crops were submerged due to flood but with the rapid decrease in water levels, there is less possibility of crop loss this time.
But the affected farmers said that they have to suffer severe losses due to the unexpected flooding.
Abdullah Al Mamun, deputy director of the Kurigram Agricultural Extension Department, said nearly 450 hectares of crops were submerged by floodwaters. While damage to the transplanted Aman is minimal, there is concern about potential losses to other crops, he said.
However, the erosion along the Teesta River has intensified, creating worries among local people as in just three days, riverbank erosion has swallowed homestead of 60 families at Khudir Kuti village, said Bablu Mia, chairman of the Begumganj Union Parishad in Ulipur upazila, who is also affted by the erosion.
Besides, Abdul Hamid High School, a two-story flood shelter, and a community clinic in the area are at risk and these structures may also be lost to the river if swift action is not taken, he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Gharialdanga Union of Rajarhat upazila, expressing concerns said that their crops suffered significant damage from the two days of flooding and Teesta erosion has also started.
Water Development Board executive engineer Md Rakibul Hasan said all rivers in the district are currently flowing below the danger level.
They are unable to carry out necessary erosion control measures due to lack of emergency work permits. Once they received permission, they will begin work in the erosion-affected areas, he said.
