Jamalpur flood worsens: Over 50,000 people marooned

Due to the continuous rise in water levels of the Jamuna, Brahmaputra, and other rivers, the overall flood situation in Jamalpur remains critical, approximately 50,000 people have been marooned.

Rafiqul Islam, executive engineer of Jamalpur Water Development Board, said as of 11am on Friday, the water level of the Jamuna River at Bahadurabad Ghat Point in Dewanganj rose by 37cm in the past 24 hours, reaching a critical mark of 92cm above the danger level.

Consequently, a total of 18 unions in Dewanganj, Islampur, and Madarganj upazilas have been submerged, affecting several thousand hectares of agricultural land and disrupting roads and highways, he added.

Due to breaches in the embankments of the Dewanganj-Kholabari road bridge and a 30-metre section of the Dewanganj-Sandwipara regional road, communication has been severed in these areas.

The closure of 26 educational institutions has been announced due to flooding.

Several families have sought shelter in relief centres with their livestock due to water entering their homes.

Alamgir Hossen, district relief and rehabilitation officer, said that relief efforts are underway, including the allocation of 3,000 tons of rice and 3,400 packets of dry food for flood victims.

Additionally, 11 medical teams have been formed to provide necessary medical assistance. The administration has assured readiness in tackling the flood situation and ensuring rehabilitation efforts, he added.