The water level of Padma River is increasing every day. At three points in Rajbari district, the water of Padma is now flowing over the danger line.
As a result, thousands of people in some unions of the district have been stranded due to inundation of low lying areas along the river.
According to the Rajbari Water Development Board, water was flowing 3 cm above the danger level at Mahendrapur point of Sadar upazila and 39 cm above the Daulatdia point of Goalanda upazila on Tuesday.
On the other hand, at Sengram point of Pangsha upazila, the water of Padma River has increased by three centimeters and is flowing over 79 cm of the danger level now, added the source.
Thousands of people in about 30 villages of Barat, Mizanpur, Khanganj, Ratandia, Harinbaria, Pangsha Bahadur and Habaspur Union of Rajbari Sadar Upazila are living inhumane life due to such increase in Padma water level. The people stranded in the water are suffering with various cattle. Besides, there is a crisis of pure drinking water in these areas.
Rajbari District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Syed Ariful Haque said 7,515 families in five upazilas of Rajbari have been affected by the floods. In addition, 257 more families are at risk of floods.
A total of Tk 10 lakh has been allocated for flood-affected people. Moreover, 20 tonnes of rice in 4 upazilas and 33 tonnes of rice in Sadar upazila have also been allocated for them. Any distressed family can avail the assistance simply by calling the number 333, he added.
Dr Bachchu Mollah of Barat Union in Rajbari Sadar Upazila said, “People in the area have been waterlogged for the past few days. The people stranded in the water are having trouble getting around. They have made a bamboo-made bridge at their own expense but, even then the problems did not mitigate.”
Nasima Khatun, of the same area, said, “We are having a hard time getting around the flood water. I can't cook. There is no proper place to eat. I don't know when this problem will be solved.”
Salma Akhter of Daulatdia Union said, “We are having a lot of problems with children. We are always afraid about our children fallig into the water. Besides, there is an infestation of snakes and insects.”
Farmer Md. Akbar, a resident of Mizanpur Union’s Ward no 6 said, “I have been trapped by water for about 2 months now. But no one looked for us. At present I am in dire straits with my wife and children.”
Salim Sheikh of Ratandia Union in Kalukhali Upazila said, “We are not getting proper food and water. Our crops have been destroyed by the flood waters.”