30 villages in Kurigram inundated

Reddish water from upstream in Assam, India, has been flowing into the rivers of Rowmari upazila in Kurigram resulting in flooding at 30 villages across three unions.

Water of Jinjiram, Kalur and Dharani rivers of the upazila have overflowed due to the onrush of upstream water.

According to residents in Rowmari upazila, reddish water started flowing from Assam on Saturday afternoon. The water submerged villages, roads and croplands. Locals were having difficulty travelling on roads due to the flood.

Sarabesh Ali, chairman of Jadurchar Union Parishad, said nearly 30 villages have been inundated or have faced water-logging. Some flood-affected people have moved to safer areas with their cattle and other belongings, he added.

Rowmari upazila Agriculture Officer Kayum Chowdhury said the reddish water is very harmful for crops.

"Crops covering about 200 hectares of land have now been inundated. There is a risk of crop loss if the water does not drain from the land within 2-3 days," he said.

Rowmari upazila Education Officer Nazrul Islam said 21 schools of the upazila were inundated and regular teaching activities in these schools have been suspended.

Asked, Abdullah Al Mamun, executive engineer of Kurigram Water Development Board (WDB), said it will take 2-3 days for the water to recede due to the constant rains. He also said they are preparing a list of affected people.