Over 100 Villages Flooded in Sherpur Due to Prolonged Rains

Within a mere 12 hours, villagers faced flash flooding as the Moharashi, Bhogai, and Chellakhali rivers breached their banks. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned that rainfall is expected to persist in Sherpur, Tangail, Mymensingh, and adjacent areas until Sunday.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) reported that river water levels in these regions will continue to rise until Saturday morning before starting to decline.

In the affected areas, rural roads have been submerged, and substantial portions of farmland are underwater. Many fish have perished in local ponds, and numerous homes are currently inundated with knee-deep water.

Flash floods struck four unions in Jhinaigati upazila, including the Sadar Bazar and upazila parishad intersection, following heavy rainfall from Thursday evening to Friday afternoon, which caused the Moharashi River to overflow.

Water levels have also surged in the Bhogai and Chellakhali rivers in Nalitabari, flooding low-lying areas in three unions, including Nalitabari Municipality.

As of Friday morning, Nakugaon Point in Sherpur recorded 261mm of rainfall over the previous 24 hours. Other areas also experienced significant rainfall, with Sherpur Sadar reporting 177mm and Nalitabari 225mm. Nearby regions, such as Jariyanjail in Netrokona, received 200mm, while Durgapur and Tangail reported 135mm and 110mm, respectively.

According to the FFWC, the water level at the Nakuagaon station of the Bhogai River had risen to 24.50m MSL by Friday evening, exceeding the danger threshold of 21.95 metres by 2.55 metres—a rise of 7.9 metres within the last 24 hours. Similarly, the Goalkanda station on the Nil-Jinjiram River recorded levels over 40 centimeters above the danger mark.

Sarder Udoy Raihan, Executive Engineer at the FFWC, advised that water levels in riverside areas of Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrakona, and Mymensingh districts could continue to rise until Saturday afternoon, with a potential decrease thereafter.

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruq explained that Sherpur and surrounding areas have experienced unusual rainfall since Thursday night. He noted that while rainfall is expected to decrease after October 6, the region may still face challenges due to the prior deluge.

Local journalist Zubaidul Islam reported that there have been significant breaches in embankments at least seven locations along the river, exacerbating the flooding.

Md Ashraful Alam Rasel, the Jhinaigati Upazila Executive Officer, stated that local authorities and the Fire Service are actively working to rescue those trapped by floodwaters, while preparations are underway to distribute dry food to affected residents.

Meanwhile, heavy rains have also affected Haluaghat Upazila in Mymensingh, marooning around 50,000 residents as floodwaters surged since Friday afternoon. Roads, open fields, and yards have become waterlogged, and patients at the Haluaghat Upazila Health Complex are suffering due to flooding in the facility.

Local sources indicated that rising river levels, combined with upstream flooding from India, impacted Haluaghat Sadar Union and neighboring areas. The situation worsened when the local Bhogai River dam collapsed in the evening.

Suruj Mia, Chairman of Bhubankura Union Parishad, reported extensive flooding due to the overflowing Shewal and Meneng rivers, making it difficult for residents to leave their homes. Haluaghat Upazila Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Alal Uddin mentioned that if the rain stops overnight, water levels should recede by morning.

Haluaghat Upazila Executive Officer Ershadul Ahmed emphasized that, despite no significant floods since 1988, the current situation calls for immediate relief efforts.

The BMD has identified a low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal, contributing to the active monsoon across the region. Their evening bulletin warned of light to moderate rain or thunderstorms with occasional gusty winds across several divisions, with heavy rainfall expected in some areas.

On Thursday, Tangail recorded the highest rainfall at 211mm, while Mymensingh, Faridpur, Mongla, Teknaf, and Dhaka also reported notable precipitation levels.