Low-lying areas in Islampur upazila of Jamalpur have been inundated as rising water from upstream hill torrents and continuous rainfall caused the Jamuna River to swell, damaging crops and disrupting daily life.
In recent days of heavy rainfall, water levels in low-lying areas of Sapdhari, Chinaduli and Noarpara unions rose rapidly, submerging Aman seedbeds, jute, vegetables and other seasonal crops. Thousands of residents have been affected.
Local farmers said they had invested in cultivation by taking loans, hoping for a good harvest this season. However, sudden flooding has now placed their livelihoods at risk.
Islampur Upazila Agriculture Officer Faisal Ahmed said around 25 hectares of jute, seedbeds and vegetable crops in four unions along the Jamuna basin have been submerged.
Abdul Hakim Pramanik of Prajapati village in Sapdhari union said his three bighas of jute fields were under water. He warned that prolonged flooding could destroy the crop completely.
Another farmer, Rofik Mondol, said vegetables on 40 decimals of land had already been partially submerged and could be fully damaged if water levels continue to rise.
Meanwhile, several rural roads have gone under water, disrupting transport and reducing attendance in educational institutions.
According to Abdul Mannan, a gauge reader of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Jamalpur branch, the Jamuna River at the Bahadurabad Ghat point is flowing 78 centimetres below the danger level, although water levels have risen by 27 centimetres in the last 24 hours.
Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board in Jamalpur Md Nakibuzzaman Khan said water levels may continue to rise for the next two to three days and could cross the danger mark, though it is expected to recede within a short period thereafter.
