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TL;DR
- Severe flooding in the Sherpur district has resulted in three fatalities and stranded 60,000 people due to heavy rains and upstream water from India’s Meghalaya.
- The floods have affected Nalitabari, Jhinaigati, Nokla, and Sreebardi upazilas, submerging 122 villages across 20 unions.
- Rescue operations are underway with the army and local volunteers evacuating over 1,000 families to safer areas, and schools have been designated as temporary shelters.
- The Bhogai and Chellakhali rivers are flowing above danger levels, with breached embankments causing extensive damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure.
Severe flooding in the Sherpur district has claimed three lives and left 60,000 people stranded as heavy rains and upstream water from India’s Meghalaya have inundated the region. The floods have affected Nalitabari, Jhinaigati, Nokla, and Sreebardi upazilas, submerging 122 villages across 20 unions. In Nalitabari upazila, three individuals, including a woman, died after being swept away by floodwaters. The deceased were identified as Rahija Begum, 40, and Idris Ali, 75, while the identity of the third victim remains unknown.
Rescue operations are ongoing with the army, local volunteers, and the fire service working to evacuate those stranded. Over 1,000 families have been relocated to safer areas. In Jhinaigati’s Dighirpar village, a 3-month-old baby was rescued by Rapid Response BD volunteers after being placed on a ceiling to escape rising waters. The floodwaters have devastated crops, livestock, poultry, and homes, causing severe hardship for local farmers.
The local administration has designated schools as temporary shelters and set up control rooms to coordinate relief efforts. Nalitabari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Masud Rana reported that all unions in the area were severely affected, with Garkanda Government Primary School and Taraganj Women’s Madrasa opened as shelters. Life-saving equipment such as speedboats and life jackets have been arranged to aid in rescue operations.
The Bhogai and Chellakhali rivers are flowing above danger levels, with several embankments breached. Emergency efforts are underway to contain the damage as roads remain submerged or damaged. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rainfall until October 6, with river levels expected to decrease thereafter. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to distribute relief materials as needed.
Source: Itttefaq
