Flood situation worsens in two northern dists
People continued to suffer as flood situation in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram worsened yesterday following incessant rainfall and the onrush of water from the upstream.
Major rivers of the upper Meghna basin in the country's north-eastern region were showing a rising trend and it may remain steady in the next 24 hours, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said in a bulletin around 9:00am.
"The Ganges river is also showing a rising trend, which may continue for the next 72 hours," it said.
The Brahmaputra river was in a steady state, but its water level may rise in the next 24 hours, while the Jamuna river was showing a downward trend which may remain steady in the next 24 hours.
At least seven rivers across the country were flowing above the danger level, the FFWC bulletin added.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department yesterday forecast that light to moderate rainfall and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind were likely to occur at most places over Rangpur division today.
Light to moderate rain may occur at many places over Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions as well as at a few places over Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions today, according to the forecast issued around 6:00pm yesterday.
Besides, moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places over the northern part of the country today, it added.
In Lalmonirhat and Kurigram, flood situation deteriorated yesterday as water level of the Dharla river further increased.
The river was flowing 26cm above the danger mark at Shimulbari point of Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila and 28cm above the danger level at Dharla bridge point of Kurigram Sadar upazila yesterday morning.
Other rivers in the two districts were also showing rising trends due to incessant rain and the onrushing water from the upstream, said officials of Water Development Board.
Over 40,000 families of 120 villages have been affected by the flood. Most of them are residents of low-lying areas and shoals.
Many of them have left their homes and taken shelter on roads, embankments and at flood centres.
Aman paddy and vegetables on about 12,000 hectares of land are now submerged by floodwater, according to local agriculture offices.
"The flood-hit people are facing a crisis of food and drinking water. We have to fetch water from far away travelling on boats," said Adu Mial, 65, of Shiberkuti village in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.
"We are having a food crisis. Children and elderly persons are the worst sufferers," said Nurnahar Begum, 30, of Shimulbari village in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram.
[Our correspondents in Lalmonirhat contributed to this report].
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