Rising Padma maroons thousands

RAJSHAHI, Sept 17: The water level of the Padma River rose sharply over 10 days due to continuous rainfall and an upstream surge, inundating several chars in Rajshahi and leaving thousands of families marooned.

The rising water submerged croplands and caused shortages of safe drinking water and food in affected areas. The district administration has intensified relief operations, distributing essential supplies, relocating vulnerable residents to safer areas and organising medical camps.

The rising water has also put Rajshahi city’s protection embankment at risk. Locals said parts of the embankment could be breached if the river continues to rise.

According to the Water Development Board (WDB), the Padma began rising at the beginning of September. At the Rajshahi point, the water level stood at 17.05 metres at noon on September 10 before rising to 17.12 metres three hours later.