Flood hits Bogura as Jamuna swells, spur dam broken

Flood has struck three upazilas of Bogura as the Jamuna River swells and damages a flood-control dam, causing widespread inundation in low-lying areas.

The situation has led to severe disruptions in educational activities and left thousands of residents of Sariakandi, Sonatola, and Dhunot upazilas marooned.

The Jamuna, which flows through the region, exceeded the danger level by 14 centimetres as of 6am on Friday, according to Md Humayun Kabir, the sub-divisional engineer at the Water Development Board in Sariakandi.

Local sources said numerous residential buildings and educational institutions on the left bank of the Jamuna, particularly in the vast chars of the district, have been submerged. Water has entered households in approximately 122 chars in Sariakandi.

In Sonatola upazila, Tekani-Chukainagar and Pakulla unions have also witnessed inundation of 10 villages. Furthermore, some areas in Dhunat upazila have been affected by the floodwaters.

Anwar Hossain Dipon, chairman of Sariakandi's Kornibari union, said around 3,000 residents in the union are stranded due to the flooding. Additionally, 4,000 more people in the neighbouring Bohail union are facing similar challenges, said UP Chairman Asaduzzaman Khan.

The flash floods have disrupted the functioning of at least 24 schools in the char areas, forcing teachers to conduct academic activities in makeshift shelters located on higher ground.

Responding to the crisis, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam, accompanied by several government officials, visited the flood-affected areas in Sariakandi on Wednesday.

According to the Water Development Board, water levels in the Jamuna have been exceeding the danger level since Wednesday. The nearby Bangali River is also experiencing a rise in water levels, reaching 14.47 metres, compared to the recorded level of 15.40 metres.

Sub-Divisional Engineer Humayun Kabir emphasised that efforts are underway to repair the embankments by filling them with sandbags at critical locations. Permanent restoration work on the breached dam, Hasnapara Spur-2, will commence once the water recedes.

Meanwhile, erosion along the riverbanks is also a concern in the Kajla and Kamalpur Union areas, requiring immediate attention to prevent further damage, he added.