Flooding submerges 5,601 hectares of crops in Sylhet

The water levels in Sylhet‍‍`s rivers are rapidly rising. Due to heavy rainfall and upstream water flow, over a hundred villages in five upazilas of the district have been submerged, leaving many people trapped. The flooding has affected crops over 5,601 hectares of land.

"We are not yet sure about the exact number of flooded villages. However, the affected people have been moved to shelters and safe locations. Around 470 emergency shelters have been opened in five upazilas, and more will be provided if necessary," Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Russel Hasan told Prothom Alo.

As of noon on Thursday, the water levels in five points of the Surma, Kushiyara, Sari, and Gowainghat rivers have surpassed the danger mark. The Sylhet Water Development Board reported that the water levels of other rivers in the district are fluctuating.

Local sources indicate that Gowainghat upazila is the most affected, followed by Companiganj, Jaintapur, Kanaighat, and Zakiganj upazilas.

All three roads connecting the Sylhet district headquarters to the Gowainghat upazila headquarters are submerged, disrupting road communication. The rising river water levels, fueled by upstream flow and heavy rainfall over the past few days, have left many families stranded. The lack of boats has hindered the evacuation process, rendering many people helpless.

Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tauhidul Islam stated that approximately 245,750 people from around 42,900 families in 13 unions of his upazila are affected. A total of 2,356 people and 645 livestock have taken shelter in the emergency centers. Additionally, 10 medical teams are operational in the upazila. The flooding has submerged about 343 square kilometers, affecting 1,660 hectares of agricultural land.

According to the District Commissioner‍‍`s office, 470 emergency shelters have been opened across the district. Among them, Gowainghat has 56 shelters, Jaintapur has 48, Kanaighat has 18, Companiganj has 35, and Zakiganj has 58. The remaining shelters are in other upazilas of the district.