15,000 stranded as water levels rise alarmingly in Kurigram

After three days of heavy rain and an onrush of water from upstream, the rivers in Kurigram have swollen significantly. Dharla and Dudhkumar Rivers have been flowing above the danger mark for the last two days. As a result, around 15,000 people in 9 upazilas of Kurigram have become stranded.

Houses in the low-lying areas have become inundated, causing a shortage of safe drinking water. People have taken shelter in higher places.

Anwar Hossain, a villager of Kutir Char in Nageshwari Upazila, said water has entered their houses after the Dudhkumar River overflowed.

Alo Begum of Bhogdanga Union of Kurigram Sadar Upazila said water from Dharla has inundated three rooms of her house, and it has made cooking very difficult.

According to Kurigram Water Development Board (WDB), the water of the Dharla River was flowing 21cm above the danger mark at Sadar Point, and the Dudhkumar River was flowing 41 cm above the danger mark at Pateshwari Point on Saturday morning.

Confirming the matter, Kurigram WDB Executive Engineer Abdullah Al Mamun said the water of the Dharla and Dudhkumar Rivers is already flowing above the danger mark. As per the flood forecast, Brahmaputra River's water may reach very close to the danger mark around July 18-19. This may cause a flood in the low-lying areas of the district.

Kurigram District Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Arif said all necessary preparations have been taken to tackle a short-term flood situation. Dry food and shelter have been prepared.

/KN/