Thousands of families in Kurigram have been enduring severe floods for over two weeks, and the situation has deteriorated further.
Prolonged heavy rains and rising upstream water levels are threatening to disrupt the lives of the waterlogged residents of the district.
According to the Water Development Board (WDB) control room, water levels in three rivers flowing through the district are above the danger mark at five points.
The Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger level at Nunkhawa point in Nageshwari, Hatiya in Ulipur, and Chilmari points.
Similarly, the Dharla River is above the danger level at Pateshwari point in Bhurungamari, and the Dudhkumar River at Setu point in Kurigram town.
In the past 24 hours, water levels in these rivers have risen again, worsening the overall flood situation.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported 131mm of rainfall in the Dharla basin of Kurigram during this period.
The forecast predicts heavy rains in the northern region over the next 24 hours, likely exacerbating flooding in the lower areas of the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers.
Additionally, the water levels of Teesta and Dudhkumar rivers in the northern region may rise as well.
Many flood-hit families from Jatrapur Union have taken refuge at Goailpuri Government Primary School and Ralakata Char Junior Secondary School, along with their cattle and goats, for over a week.
Mamun, a local resident who sought shelter in one of the schools, described the situation and said: "Life for the people of the char is extremely difficult. We are in great pain. There is erosion on one side, flooding on the other. We have to live with cows and goats have to live. There is no suitable living environment. Still, we have to stay here.”
He added that around 20-25 families are currently taking shelter in the schools. Due to the dire conditions, families could not even cook until 12pm on Thursday.
Mamun also said they are facing a food crisis due to a lack of assistance.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Arif said: "The flood situation may worsen. We have intensified the distribution of relief aid and are taking measures to reach places where help has not yet arrived."
Regarding the prolongation of the flood situation, he added: "We have prepared shelters, and affected people are coming to them."