The ongoing floods in the Mymensingh division have left 67,520 families stranded in three districts, with Sherpur bearing the brunt of the disaster.
The death toll in Sherpur has risen to 11, with approximately 13,500 families affected by the floods.
While no fatalities have been reported in Mymensingh and Netrokona, 54,000 families remain stranded across both districts.
The identities of eight deceased have been revealed by the Sherpur district authorities.
Among the victims were three children: Rahim, 5, Jimi, 8, and Alagmir Hossain, 16. Additionally, Idris Ali, 65, Johura, 70, Amiza Khatun, 45, Md Hatem Ali, 30, and Abdur Razzak, 52 perished in the floodwaters.
Six of the victims were from Nalitabari upazila, while the remaining two were residents of Nakla upazila.
Impact on crops, fisheries, and livestock
The floods have caused extensive damage to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
Around 92,000 hectares of cropland were either partially or completely destroyed, with losses estimated at Tk1,144 crore, according to a preliminary assessment by the Divisional Agriculture Office.
Salma Aktar, additional director of the office, said: “We are advising farmers to plant mustard in the affected areas to help recover from the losses.”
In the fisheries sector, Sherpur and Mymensingh suffered losses amounting to Tk75 crore and Tk62 crore, respectively. Fishes were swept away in the floodwaters, and much of fisheries' infrastructure was damaged.
Md Nazrul Islam, deputy director of the Divisional Fisheries Office, suggested that rehabilitation support for small-scale farmers and bank loans for large fisheries could help them recover.
The livestock sector also suffered, with poultry deaths and a shortage of livestock feed reported. Dr. Monoronjor Dhar, Director of the Divisional Livestock Office, stated, “We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and will submit a detailed report once the floodwaters recede.”
Situation in Sherpur
Heavy rainfall, both upstream in India and within Bangladesh, caused the Bhugai River to rise above the danger level, triggering widespread flooding in all five upazilas of Sherpur district.
Ninety-five flood shelters have been established, but only 306 people and 737 livestock have sought refuge. Fourteen medical teams have been formed, with nine actively working in the field.
Sherpur Deputy Commissioner Tarafdar Mahmudur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune: “The relief distribution process is going on. We are giving both dry rations and cooked food as reliefs. Army and Law enforcement agencies are working in the distribution and flood management. Other organizations are also distributing reliefs.”
Regarding the flood situation, Mahmudur said: “The water is receding. Especially, water in Nakla upazilla has receded significantly since Monday.”
Mymensingh
Three upazilas in Mymensingh have been affected by the floods. Despite the availability of 22 flood shelters, only 1,106 people, along with 211 livestock, have taken refuge.
Deputy Commissioner Mufidul Alam urged more residents to seek shelter, emphasizing that the flood shelters have ample capacity.
In Haluaghat upazila, 18,000 families are stranded as the Bhugai, Kangsha, and Maliji Rivers overflowed, causing severe damage.
Around 72,000 people in Fulpur and Dhobaura upazilas are also affected.
Although the water level of the Netai River has decreased, the Brahmaputra River's water level has risen but remains below the danger mark.
Currently, six medical teams are providing aid to residents in waterlogged areas.
Regarding the flood relief process, Mufidul Alam said: “The situation improved since the (Tuesday) morning, our medical teams are prepared to combat any emergency”
Netrokona
In Netrokona, 22,000 families in five upazilas have been marooned by the floodwaters. Fifteen medical teams are currently active in the affected areas.
The Someshwari River in Kamlakanda Upazila is flowing 23 cm above the danger level, marking a “severe flood.” Seven flood shelters have been opened, with 105 people seeking refuge.
Deputy Commissioner Banani Biswas said: “We are distributing water purification tablets along with our relief packages. The situation has improved since Monday.”
