In Naogaon district, heavy rains have led to significant flooding, affecting several areas—particularly Atrai, Raninagar, and Manda. The Atrai River rose 39 centimeters beyond safe levels, inundating around 17,000 bighas of Aman paddy and other crops.
This flood has left many residents stranded as water engulfed homes and roads, including a vital three-kilometer stretch connecting Patisar and Shomspara. A dyke also collapsed in Manda, causing even more land to be submerged.
The Bangladesh Water Development Board has reported that several flood control embankments are at high risk of failing. Villagers have noted that persistent rain and water from upstream have contributed to the rising river levels. By Saturday afternoon, the situation had worsened, with the water at Atrai Railway Station surpassing dangerous levels.
Farmers are feeling the brunt of this disaster. Abdul Halim, a local farmer, lost 95 bighas of his crop, amounting to roughly Tk 6 lakh in damages. According to Prosenjit Kumar, an agriculture officer in Atrai, over 10,500 bighas of crops had been submerged within just a week. New areas are becoming inundated every hour.
In Raninagar, agriculture officer Zahidul Islam reported that nearly 2,500 bighas of crops are completely underwater, while an additional 3,075 bighas have been partially affected. Probir Kumar Pal, a sub-divisional engineer with the WDB, stated that they are continuously monitoring flooding points to keep residents informed about necessary precautions.
Although the rain is easing and water levels may start to recede soon, the situation remains dire for about 10,000 families in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, cut off from vital resources for the third consecutive day due to rising Padma water levels. The Rajshahi Water Development Board has noted a slight decrease in the Padma’s level, which is still 63 centimeters below danger levels.
With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of such weather events, it’s crucial for communities and authorities to adopt long-term flood management strategies. Studies show that better infrastructure and early warning systems can significantly reduce damage and prepare communities for such emergencies. As the country grapples with these challenges, both immediate relief and sustainable solutions are needed to protect livelihoods and homes.
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