NALITABARI, SHERPUR, May 16: The water level of the Chelikhali and Bhogai rivers flowing through Nalitabari has receded , bringing relief to local residents.
The sudden surge of water for continuous rainfall and upstream hill torrents had earlier overtopped embankments and inundated crops and houses in some low-lying areas. However, with no fresh rainfall on Thursday (May 14), fears of flooding or flash inundation have largely subsided.
Officials said the situation has improved significantly, and no new flooding was reported during the day. Meanwhile, a team led by Sherpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Farida Yasmin visited the affected areas on Thursday morning to assess the situation.
Earlier on Wednesday, continuous heavy rainfall combined with upstream water flow caused a sudden rise in the water levels of the Bhogai and Chelikhali rivers. The pressure of the flow overtopped the embankment at Gollarpaar area under Koloshpar Union, causing floodwater to enter nearby settlements and temporarily inundate low-lying lands.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB), the river water was flowing 72 centimetres below the danger level at 10am on Thursday. Officials also confirmed that no further water intrusion was taking place through the Gollarpaar point, significantly reducing the risk of fresh flooding.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Nalitabari said that although flash floodwater briefly entered parts of Koloshpar Union's Gollarpaar area, it has now fully receded.
Officials added that around 95 per cent of Boro paddy in the affected area had already been harvested, meaning there is no significant risk of crop loss.
Meanwhile, a delegation including DC Farida Yasmin, Additional Director (Input and Field Wing) of Dhaka's Khamarbari Md Rowshan Alam, officials from the DAE, the acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Nalitabari Jahangir Alam, and Upazila Agriculture Officer Mashiur Rahman visited the flood-affected areas to inspect the situation.
