Due to heavy rains and upstream flow, the water level of the Brahmaputra River has risen in Kurigram, causing flooding in its lower reaches.
Hundreds of families in the lower areas of the Brahmaputra basin in Jatrapur and Ulipur upazilas are trapped as water has entered their houses. Additionally, the water levels of the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are increasing.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has predicted short-term floods in the lower regions.
On Monday afternoon, the centre forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the northern part of the country for the next 48 hours. As a result, the water levels of the Dudhkumar, Dharla, and Teesta rivers in the northern region may rise, potentially crossing the danger level at some points and causing short-term flooding.
River water levels recede, improving flood situation in GaibandhaThe BWDB Kurigram control room reported that 141.5mm of rainfall was recorded at the Pateshwari point of the Dudhkumar basin in the last 24 hours till 9am on Tuesday. The water level of the Brahmaputra at Chilmari point rose by 42cm in the same period, while the Dharla River at Kurigram bridge point increased by 49cm, and the Dudhkumar River at Pateshwari point rose by 2cm, approaching the danger level.
The continuous rise of water in the Brahmaputra has led to flood conditions in its lower reaches, causing intense erosion. Water has entered the houses of more than 50 families in char areas under Ulipur's Begamganj Union.
Many of these families have taken refuge in boats or moved to relatives' houses for safety.
Severe erosion has also started in the Mollahat market area of the union, prompting locals to demand quick measures to protect the market.
Shariful, a resident of Batuatli Musar Char, said: "More than 40 families live in our village. Water has entered every household and all around outside and is rising.”
Ulipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ataur Rahman said: "There are adequate preparations to provide food assistance to families affected by the flood. Additionally, shelters have been prepared for the safe accommodation of affected family members.”
Meanwhile, settlements in Jatrapur are disappearing due to Brahmaputra erosion.
At least 15 families have lost their homes in the last week due to continuous erosion on the north side of the char.
Belal, a resident of the village, said: "Floodwater has not yet entered the house. However, people in the area are disoriented. The arable land of Madhar Char and Chirakhawar Char to the west of Ralakata has been submerged. If the water rises, it will enter the houses in a day or two."
The situation has worsened in the last two days at Kalir Alga in Jatrapur and Goailpuri’s Char, where water has started entering several houses.
Mahbub, a resident of Goailpuri's Char, said: "The situation is bad. We are caught in the flood. Water has entered the houses and will affect all houses within one or two days.”
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Arif said: "We are prepared to deal with the flood situation and continue to distribute relief aid. More than 400 shelters have been kept ready throughout the district. We are keeping a close watch on the areas that are being flooded due to the rising water.”
