Numerous roads and educational institutions submerged in low-lying areas of Netrakona district. PHOTO: TDM
The inhabitants of Netrakona district are living in fear as the continuous rainfall in recent days, coupled with hill slopes collapsing downstream, has caused a surge in river water levels. The Kangsa, Someswari, Dhanu, and Ubdhakhali rivers, among others, are all experiencing a steady rise, posing a significant danger of flooding in the area. As a consequence, numerous roads, educational institutions, and village homes situated in low-lying regions of the district are already submerged.
Particularly affected by the rising waters are the Ubdakhali, Mahadeo, Baithakhali, Mangaleshwari, Gumai, and Ganeshwari rivers in Kalmakanda upazila. Reports indicate that the Ubdakhali river has already breached its borders, causing further alarm among locals. At 4 pm on Monday, the water level of the Ubdhakhali river in Kalmakanda was recorded to be 24 cm above the flood line at the Dakbanglo point, according to reliable sources.
The flooding has also reached educational institutions, with around 60 schools, witnessing water ingress onto their premises. Additionally, approximately ten sections of paved roads, such as Gorasthan-Southpara, Gajarmari-Kharnai Union Parishad, and Gobindpur-Ranigaon unpaved road, have been submerged.
Obaidul Haque, Chairman of Kharnai Union Parishad, reported that three roads within his jurisdiction are currently experiencing overflow, and sections of the Kalmakanda-Gobindpur road near Bausam Rumali's house have sustained damage. Repair efforts are underway to address the situation.
Mozammel Haque, Chairman of Pogla Union Parishad, shared that several villages, including Kalakona, Jeebanpur, Gwatla, Kailati, and Mangalsidh, are facing encroaching floodwaters. The affected residents find themselves trapped amidst the rising tides.
Jahanara Khatun, the Education Officer of Kalmakanda upazila, expressed difficulty in ascertaining the exact number of flooded schools due to closures. Nonetheless, she confirmed that Bahadurkanda Government Primary School, Maijpara, Khala-2, Barakhapan, Chowhatta, Bausari, Hailati, Rika, Pogla, and Bhatipara have all been affected.
Shahidul Islam, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) in charge of Kalmakanda Upazila, assured that thorough inquiries are being conducted through the chairmen of all Union Parishads, and an emergency hotline has been established. Preparedness measures, including stockpiling dry food, are underway, and necessary actions will be taken in consultation with higher authorities.
Sarwar Jahan, the Executive Engineer of Netrakona Water Development Board (PUBO), attributed the rising river water levels to landslides from upstream regions and heavy rainfall. The Udakhali River in Kalmakanda, in particular, has risen by 24 cm above its normal level. Weather forecasts indicate that the northeast and adjacent up.
TDM/SD
