Low-lying areas in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district flooded due to incessant rainfall for the past few days and the sudden onrush of water from the upper catchment of Meghalaya state in India.
The Maharashi River in Jhenaigati upazila, suddenly began to swell since Thursday afternoon.
The flood protection embankment collapsed and inundated low-lying areas including Sadar union, Malijhikanda, Hatibandha, and Gouripur union in the upazila, reports Bangla Tribune.
“Hundreds of homes were waterlogged in several villages including Chatal, Matiapara, Ramnagar, Surihara, Kalinagar, Sarikalinagar, Pratabnagar and Dariyarpar,” said Mofazzal Hossain Chan, chairman of Jhenaigati Sadar Union Parishad.
Several government offices have also been inundated in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur on Thursday, September 17, 2020 Collected
Aman paddy, vegetables, and fish enclosures are submerged in water, he added.
Abu Bahar, president of Jhenaigati Merchants’ Association, said: “Parts of Jhenaigati Sadar market, including the Mosque road, are flooded. Water has entered some shops. We will know the full extent of damage once the water recedes.”
Jhenaigati Upazila Agriculture Officer Humayun Kabir said: “The floodwater doesn’t pose any danger to the newly-planted Aman seedbeds if they are underwater for 2-3 more days. However, long-term submersion will kill the crop. Hopefully, the water will recede soon. When the water recedes, necessary measures will be taken after assessing the damage.”
Jhenaigati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rubel Mahmud said: “Low lying areas including the upazila town were inundated when the Maharashi River embankment collapsed due to a rise in water level owing to incessant rainfall and the onrush of water from upstream. However, we haven’t seen any significant damage yet. Hopefully, the water will recede soon.”
