Water levels in the Padma, Mahananda and Punarbhaba rivers have continued to rise for seven consecutive days, inundating low-lying areas of five unions in Chapainawabganj and leaving around 2,500 families waterlogged.
The affected areas include parts of Chapainawabganj Sadar and Shibganj upazilas, where floodwater has entered homesteads, damaged crops and disrupted daily life. Around 1,800 families in Sadar and 700 in Shibganj have been affected, according to the district administration.
The Padma is flowing just below the danger level at the Pankha gauge station. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) recorded the river’s water level at 21.79 metres on Saturday, against the danger mark of 22.05 metres — only 26 centimetres below the threshold.
The river rose by 11 centimetres in the 24 hours until Friday morning. The Mahananda and Punarbhaba rivers also recorded a rise of 10 centimetres each during the same period.
Low-lying areas of Narayanpur in Sadar and Durlabhpur, Panka and other char areas in Shibganj have been affected. Several houses in Charpanka, Lakshmipur and Notunpara have reportedly been inundated.
The flooding has submerged around 362 hectares of Aman and Aush paddy, summer onion and vegetable fields, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension. Thirteen educational institutions have also been affected, forcing temporary suspension of classes.
BWDB officials said the rivers are unlikely to cross the danger level, with water expected to rise until Saturday before receding. However, residents in affected areas are facing difficulties with drinking water, cooking, livestock management and movement.
Narayanpur Union Parishad Chairman Md Nazir Hossain said river erosion had started in some areas and the situation could worsen if water levels continued to rise.
Panka Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Malek said several houses had been flooded and lists of affected families were being prepared for relief support.
Chapainawabganj Deputy Commissioner Abu Saleh Md Musa Zangi said relief efforts had started, with rice distribution planned for affected families. He said the administration was monitoring the situation and would provide further assistance based on available allocations.
BWDB Executive Engineer SM Ahsan Habib said upstream water flow from India and heavy rainfall were contributing to the rise. He said there was no immediate risk of major flooding as all three rivers remained below danger levels.
Shibganj Upazila Executive Officer Mazharul Islam said that so far, rice has been distributed among around 1,500 affected families, with each family receiving 15kg, 20kg or 25kg.
However, residents fear prolonged waterlogging could increase damage to crops and worsen hardships for thousands living in riverbank areas.
