Low-lying areas flooded in Kurigram, 10,000 people marooned

Rising water levels in the rivers have inundated several low-lying areas of Kurigram district, leaving around 10,000 people stranded. Numerous earthen roads have gone underwater, while floodwaters have entered many homes, forcing affected families to move with their livestock and essential belongings to higher ground and nearby flood protection embankments.

Meanwhile, although the water level of the Dudhkumar River has started to recede, data recorded at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday (June 30) shows that it is still flowing 21 centimeters above the danger level. The Brahmaputra River has remained stable, while water levels in the Dharla and Teesta rivers are gradually declining.

A visit to the affected areas revealed that the sudden rise in water levels has caused severe hardship for hundreds of families living along the riverbanks. Anxiety and uncertainty are widespread among flood-affected residents.

Shahida Begum, a housewife from Nama Kachichar village in Panchgachhi Union of Kurigram Sadar Upazila, said, "The floodwater entered our house all of a sudden. I haven't even been able to cook yet because I'm busy moving our belongings to the flood protection embankment. The children are sitting on the bed because there's water inside the house. I still haven't been able to take them to a safe place."

Shariful Islam, another resident of the same area, said, "Water has surrounded our house and entered inside as well. We have to take our cattle and goats to the flood protection embankment for safety. We are in great difficulty with our young children. If we can't move everything to a safe place today, we may suffer significant losses."

Residents have complained that the administration has yet to demonstrate any visible response to deal with the situation.

Regarding the situation, Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Kurigram, said that river water levels have started to decline since morning. However, according to forecasts, water levels may rise again over the next three days. He added that the situation is being monitored around the clock.