UNB, Sherpur

Low-lying areas of Nalitabari, Jhenaigati and Sreebardi upazilas in Sherpur district were inundated yesterday following heavy rainfall and a sudden influx of hill runoff from upstream areas.

According to locals, floodwaters entered several homes, causing suffering for residents and disrupting normal life in the affected areas.

The water level of the Chellakhali river in Nalitabari rose sharply and was flowing 174 cm above the danger level at Batkuchi point, officials said.

Flash flood waters were also reported in the Bhogai, Maharashi, and Someshwari rivers.

Water from the hill runoff was seen flowing over sections of the Nalitabari-Gazirkhamar road in the Gaglajani area and the Rangtia-Sandhyakura road in Jhenaigati, affecting local transportation.

The sudden surge of water also caused disruption at Madhutila Eco Park, a popular tourist destination in the district.

According to the Sherpur office of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, 15.5 millimetres of rainfall were recorded in Nalitabari during the 12 hours until 3:00pm yesterday, while the highest rainfall of 32 millimetres was recorded at the Nakugaon point near the border.

Among other rivers, the Maharashi river in Jhenaigati was flowing at 21.38 metres, the Someshwari river in Sreebardi at 23.60 metres and the Bhogai river at Nakugaon at 18.77 metres.

Mosa Ziasmin Khatun, sub-assistant engineer of the Sherpur WDB, said water levels in the rivers had increased due to heavy rainfall and a sudden influx of hill runoff from upstream areas.

“If rainfall decreases and no further surge of water comes from upstream, the water level is expected to recede,” she said, adding that officials are monitoring the situation around the clock.