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Country’s overall flood situation stable

Water level of a few rivers sees a little rise but recurrence of major floods unlikely, say officials
Star Report
Water level of a few major rivers saw a slight rise in last two days, although government officials concerned say there is no possibility of recurring major flood.
The water will start receding again within next couple of days, said officials of Water Development Board (WDB).
Yesterday’s bulletin of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said water of Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers was in rising trend but it will remain steady today.
The water of the Padma will continue receding till tomorrow, said the bulletin.
At least three rivers were flowing above danger level yesterday, according to the FFWC bulletin.
Our correspondents from different districts have reported on the flood situation.
In Sirajganj, floodwater has started rising again in the fourth phase. Water of the Jamuna river showed falling trend during last three weeks but it started swelling again since Wednesday.
“The water level will keep rising for next few days. But there is no possibility of serious flood,” said AKM Rafikul Islam, sub-divisional engineer of WDB.
People of the flood-hit area said their sufferings are being prolonged due to rise of water in phases since June.
“We face flood almost every year. But this year’s floods have caused immense sufferings for us for a long time,” said Mukti Khatun, a resident of Shuvogachha village under Kazipur upazila.
Many people are still staying at flood centres fearing that flood may hit again.
In Bogura, similar situation is prevailing as water level of the Jamuna started rising again.
The rising trend will continue for next couple of days. Then, the water will recede again, said officials of local WDB office.
In Gaibandha, flood situation is improving slowly as water of major rivers started receding.
Water of the char areas has been receding for last one week and it will continue till next week, said Mokhlesur Rahman, executive engineer of WDB.
Many people have started returning home from flood centres.
In Nilphamari, water of the Teesta river was receding yesterday although it almost touched the danger level on Tuesday, said WDB officials.
If there is rainfall in Teesta basin, the water level may rise again, said Rabiul Islam, executive engineer of WDB’s Dalia zone.
In Sunamganj, although all major rivers of Sunamgnaj are flowing way below danger levels for days, many people in Haor region are still waterlogged as water is receding slowly.
Meanwhile in some areas, water rose a little since Wednesday night.
“Water is receding slowly. But sometimes it increases suddenly, creating panic among us,” said Jashim Miah, a flood victim of Rupnagar village under Tahirpur.
However, the district WDB’s Executive Engineer Md Sabibur Rahman said no major flood will happen again, although water increased slightly in some areas.
In Munshiganj, water in the Padma river has been receding for last two days.
But many people are still dwelling in shelter centres or on high roads amid crisis of food and drinking water.
Many houses, roads and embankments are at risk of collapse.
“Water in the Padma is expected to recede next week. Geo-bags are being dumped at some places to protect embankments and other structures,” said Rakibul Islam, assistant engineer of WDB.
Our correspondents from Pabna, Bogura, Nilphamari and Sylhet contributed to the story.
PHOTO: Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu