Kushtia flood situation worsens as Padma River swells

Kushtia: The flood situation in Kushtia has worsened as water levels in the Padma River continue to rise, inundating large areas of the district’s border-side Daulatpur upazila.

Over the past week, rising river water has submerged most areas of the Chilmari and Ramkrishnapur unions, leaving around 500,000 people from nearly 20,000 families stranded by floodwaters. Some 471 hectares of farmland have also been inundated.

As the water continues to rise, new areas are being flooded, causing severe hardship for residents. Shortages of food and safe drinking water have emerged, while people are also struggling to keep their livestock safe.

According to Water Development Board data, the Padma River at the Hardinge Bridge point in Kushtia rose by another 6 centimetres on Saturday (September 12) compared with the previous day, inundating more low-lying areas.

Residents said they have been living in dire conditions after remaining waterlogged for several days. Water has entered many homes, creating shortages of drinking water and disrupting cooking. Roads have also gone underwater, making it difficult to travel outside even in emergencies. Many people have moved to higher ground with their families and livestock.

The rising water has also submerged the grounds and access roads of several educational institutions in Chilmari and Ramkrishnapur. Locals said classes at 30 of the 40 educational institutions in the two unions have been disrupted.

Flood victims have also complained that adequate relief supplies have yet to reach the affected areas. They have urged the authorities to provide food, safe drinking water and other essential relief items as soon as possible.

Daulatpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Anindya Guha said 471 hectares of farmland in the two unions had been inundated. Most of the Aman rice and jute had already been harvested by farmers, although some crops were damaged by the floodwaters.

He said dry food had been distributed among flood-affected people and another 16 metric tonnes of rice would be distributed. A medical emergency team comprising two medical officers has also been formed to ensure emergency healthcare services.

The official said the educational institutions had not been formally closed. However, rising water has made it difficult for students to attend classes, resulting in some disruption to educational activities. Classes will return to normal once the water recedes.