3 Die In Sherpur As Flood Situation Deteriorates

Heavy rainfall and upstream flooding have caused all rivers in the border district of Sherpur to flow above danger levels. Some riverbanks have already broken, inundating many villages. Thousands of people in the district town and the Nalitabari and Jhinaigati areas are now trapped by floodwaters.

Reports indicate that three individuals—Khalilur Rahman (65) from Khalishakuri, Idris Ali (65) from Andharpara, and an unidentified person from Sundhakura in Jhinaigati—have drowned in the floodwaters. Local residents fear that the death toll could rise further.

According to data from the Sherpur Water Development Board, the Old Brahmaputra River is flowing 659 millimeters above the danger level, while the Chellakhali River has risen 525 millimeters above it. Two points of the Bhogai River are flowing at 172 millimeters and 56 millimeters above danger levels.

Additionally, two other hilly rivers, Maharishi River and Someshwari, are also flowing above the danger mark. The water levels continue to rise due to heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from India.

Floodwaters have surged into residential areas due to the breaching of riverbanks, causing significant distress to the residents. The Jhinaigati Upazila market and the Upazila Parishad have already been submerged.

In Nalitabari, areas such as Shimultala, Ghakpara, Mondoliyapara, Bhajpara, and Sannashivita have experienced breaches in the Bhogai and Chellakhali riverbanks. Floodwaters have submerged roads, including Sherpur-Nalitabari via Gazir Khamar and Jhinaigati-Dhanshail, cutting off access for many. The Batkuchi area along the Chellakhali River is flooded, leaving many trapped in their homes.

Roads including Nanni-Ambagan, Nanni-Madhutila Eco Park, and Ambagan-Batkuchi are also submerged, isolating communities. Thousands of people in these areas are now stranded, while cities across the district are experiencing severe waterlogging.

Due to heavy rain and mountain runoff, at least 100 villages across 10 unions in Nalitabari and Jhinaigati have been inundated, affecting thousands of residents. Hundreds of acres of rising Aman crops, vegetable gardens, and fish farms have been submerged.

According to the Water Development Board, rainfall recorded until 10 AM on Friday (October 4) reached 177 millimeters in Sherpur, with 255 and 260 millimeters at two points in Nalitabari.

Another source reported that heavy rain continues in the Tura area of Meghalaya, India, raising concerns about further flooding as this water flows into Sherpur's Bhogai, Chellakhali, and Maharishi rivers.

The district's agricultural department reported that 7,700 hectares of Aman rice fields are completely submerged, while 9,700 hectares are partially impacted. Additionally, 600 hectares of winter vegetables are underwater, although local residents believe the actual damage is much greater.

Sherpur District Commissioner Tarafdar Mahmudur Rahman stated that the fire service teams from Jhinaigati and Nalitabari are involved in rescue operations for those trapped. Relief assistance is ongoing, and on Saturday, October 5, local BNP and various volunteer organizations are providing rescue and aid to those stranded.