Approximately 300,000 people have been marooned as the flood situation in Jamalpur has worsened due to the continued rise of the waters of the Jamuna and other rivers.
Rafiqul Islam, executive engineer of Jamalpur Water Development Board, said as of 11am on Friday, the water level at the Bahadurabad Ghat point in Dewanganj increased by 4cm in the last 24 hours, reaching 55cm above the danger level, and at the Jagannathganj Ghat point in Sarishabari, it rose by 7cm, reaching 94cm above the danger level.
Although the floodwaters had receded over the past three days, they have risen again, causing severe distress to the affected residents. Those who had returned to their homes are now moving back to shelters. As the floodwaters enter more extensive areas, new regions are being submerged daily.
Later, 50 unions in Dewanganj, Islampur, Bakshiganj, Sarishabari, Melandah and Madarganj upazilas have been submerged, affecting several thousand hectares of agricultural land and disrupting roads and highways.
Jamalpur Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Zakia Sultana said that 8,000 hectares of cropland have been submerged due to the floods. Nineteen community clinics, 259 primary and 88 secondary schools have suspended classes.
Jamalpur District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Alamgir Hossain said: “Some 15 shelters have been opened for flood victims. The submersion of various local and rural roads has complicated transportation, adding to the hardship. The affected areas face severe food shortages, drinking water, baby food, and fodder. Relief efforts have distributed 540 tons of rice, Tk750,000 in cash, and 4,050 packets of dry food to the victims.”