Heavy rain, hill runoff flood low-lying areas in Sherpur

Heavy rainfall and hill runoff from upstream have inundated low-lying areas in Sherpur's Nalitabari and Jhenaigati upazilas, leaving more than 200 families stranded and disrupting road communication as river water levels continue to rise.

Since Monday morning, the water level of the Chellakhali River in Nalitabari has been flowing 324 centimetres above the danger mark, while the Bhogai and Maharashi rivers are also swelling due to continuous rainfall and upstream inflows. The rapid rise in water has submerged several low-lying villages in Kolspar and Jogania unions, leaving over 200 families marooned.

Floodwaters from the Chellakhali River have also overtopped the Sherpur, Gazirkhamar-Nalitabari road at the Balughata-Gollarpar area, forcing vehicles to cross through fast-flowing water at considerable risk. In neighbouring Jhenaigati upazila, rising water levels have disrupted business activities in the upazila headquarters market, with residents wading through floodwaters to move around.

The strong current has washed away several fish enclosures, while summer vegetable fields and newly transplanted Aman paddy seedbeds have gone underwater, causing significant agricultural losses.

Sherpur Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin said the district administration has taken all necessary preparations to tackle the flood situation caused by the hill runoff. She added that relief assistance, including rice and dry food, has been arranged for flood-affected and stranded families.

-MS / HIS