The flood situation in Kurigram has worsened due to the swelling of major rivers caused by onrush of water from upstream and incessant rainfall, rendering over 200,000 people marooned.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the Dharla River was flowing 27cm above its danger level at Setu point while the Brahmmaputrar was flowing 32cm above its red mark at Chilmari point at 6am on Saturday.
Besides, the Teesta River has swollen at many points due to continuous rain.
The low-lying and char areas of Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Roumari upazilas went under water while 65 educational institutions have been shut due to flood, according to the local administration.
Over 150 villages in nine upazilas of the district have been flooded in the last three days as major rivers continue to swell.
Some 3,000 hectares of land has been submerged while a 20-22 feet long temporary flood protection embankment at Muriarhat of Nageshwari upazila collapsed on Saturday, flooding new areas.
River erosion in many parts of the district has taken a serious turn, and the sufferings of the flood-hit people have intensified due to shortage of food and drinking water.
Kurigram Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rashedul Hasan said they have visited the flood-hit areas and distributed 500 packets of dry food in the upazila. “We have enough relief materials in stock,” he said.
Abdul Hye Sarkar, district relief and rehabilitation officer, said Tk20 lakh and 400 tons of rice have been kept for distribution among the flood-affected people in the district.
Abdur Rashid, deputy director of Kurigram Department of Agricultural Extension, said steps are being taken to assess the extent of damages of crops once floodwater recedes.
