Rain-fed Jamuna threatens fresh floods in Sirajganj

In the last 24 hours, the river rose by 15 centimetres at Sirajganj point, now flowing 77 cm below the danger mark and by 15 cm at Kazipur point, flowing one metre below the danger level.

With the steady rise over the past week, water levels in internal rivers have also increased, inundating low-lying areas of Kazipur, Belkuchi, Shahjadpur, Chauhali, and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas. Croplands, including newly planted Aman paddy, have been submerged, raising concern among farmers.

“Continuous heavy rains and upstream flow have caused the unusual rise in Jamuna water. Several low-lying areas are already flooded,” said Nazmul Hossain, sub-divisional engineer of the Water Development Board (WDB).

The swelling river has also submerged parts of Tarash upazila in the Chalan Beel region, with farmers fearing that winter vegetable cultivation may be disrupted if the situation persists.

Meanwhile, erosion has intensified in char areas along the Jamuna. Last week, about 50 metres of the Chauhali embankment collapsed into the river, reports UNB. 

WDB officials said they are carrying out emergency measures to curb erosion.

Executive Engineer of WDB Mokhlesur Rahman said that water may continue to rise for a few more days but downplayed immediate flood risks.