Flood situation improves in Kurigram, residents now fear erosion

The flood situation in the district's low-lying areas has seen remarkable improvement due to a decrease in rainfall and upstream water flow, leading to a fall in the water level of the Teesta River. The water level dropped by 39 centimetres over the past 25 hours and is currently flowing 6 centimetres below the danger level.

Officials from the Kurigram Water Development Board reported that the water levels of all rivers flowing through the district, including the Teesta, Dharala, and Dudhkumar, are currently below the danger mark.

Although floodwaters have receded in the low-lying areas and char regions of the river basin, hundreds of hectares of Aman paddy fields remain submerged. Farmers have reported suffering severe losses due to the unexpected flooding, which has inundated their Aman crops.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 431 hectares of Aman fields and other crops were submerged due to the flood, but with the rapid decrease in water levels, there is currently no expectation of significant crop loss this time.

However, erosion along the Teesta River has intensified, causing concern among local residents. 

Bablu Mia, chairman of the Begumganj Union Parishad in Ulipur upazila, stated that in just three days, riverbank erosion has engulfed his homestead and that of 60 other families in Khudir Kuti village. 

He also noted that Abdul Hamid High School, a two-storey flood shelter, and a community clinic in the area are at risk of being lost to the river if swift action is not taken.

Abdul Majid, a resident of Gharialdanga Union in Rajarhat upazila, expressed concerns, stating that their crops suffered significant damage from the two days of flooding. ''Erosion of the Teesta has begun, and we are very worried,'' he added.

Abdullah Al Mamun, deputy director of the Kurigram Agricultural Extension Department, reported that nearly 450 hectares of crops have been submerged by floodwaters. While damage to the transplanted Aman is minimal, there are concerns about potential losses to other crops.

Executive Engr Md Rakibul Hasan of the Water Development Board mentioned that all rivers in the district are currently flowing below the danger level. 

"We are unable to carry out necessary erosion control measures due to a lack of emergency work permits. Once we receive permission, we will begin work in the erosion-affected areas," he said.