More and more low-lying areas in Naogaon district are being inundated as the Atrai River was flowing above danger levels at all points till Tuesday because of incessant rainfall and upstream water.
Besides, the Chhoto Jamuna River that runs through the middle of the town is also flowing above danger level, submerging new houses, educational institutions and different establishments.
According to the Naogaon Water Development Board, the Atrai River is flowing 55 centimeters above the danger level. And the Chhoto Jamuna River is above the danger level at Liton bridge point.
As the water level has increased, many low lying areas have newly been flooded in Atrai, Raninagar and Manda upazilas, leaving thousands of people marooned. The situation has added to the woes of local residents who are still reeling from the damage caused by the second phase of floods in August.
People have taken shelter on high places, roads, embankments and at cyclone shelters. Some of them have been staying on boats anchored near their houses.
People have been fighting against snakes and waterborne diseases. They have also been facing crises of pure water, dry foods and cattle feed.
Besides, people living in shoal areas are also under threat of river erosion in the district.
Around 5,896 hectares of Aman paddy fields in the upazilas have been inundated by the floods to date, according to the district’s Agriculture Office. And fishes from hundreds of ponds have been washed away.
Farmer Suruj Miah from Bhabhanipur village of Sadar upazila, said: “The waterlogging happened as soon as we completed harvesting Boro paddy. We could not make seedbeds of Aman paddy yet as the field is inundated. We are now worried about how we will cultivate Aman paddy in the coming days.
Naogaon Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Arifuzzaman Khan said: “The Atrai River was flowing 55 centimeters above the danger level till Tuesday morning. The water level may increase further. We are inspecting the embankments that are at risk and trying to repair them.”
