Flood situation in northern region likely to improve
B�putra-Jamuna falls, but erodes chunks of land
The overall flood situation in the northern region may improve in the next 48 hours, as the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, that caused havoc in the downstream districts of Kurigram, Sirajganj and Bogra, has started falling. However, there is a new menace. The river has begun eroding areas which came under flooding, increasing the plight of people affected by the deluge.
Ripon Karmaker, an official of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), said the flood situation started improving on Tuesday with the fall in the level of the Bputra-Jamuna. The more the river travels downward, it would erode its banks and char lands, Karmaker added.
He said that though the Jamuna has started falling, the Padma has been on a rising trend and this would continue for the next 24 hours.
But reports from India said the Ganges has been steady at Farakka, whose effects would be felt downstream with the water level falling.
Golam Mostafa Jibon, The Independent staff correspondent in Sirajganj, reports: The retreating Jamuna has further increased the plight of people trapped in the Kazipur and Chouhali upazilas and char lands where thousands were affected by the erosion. The river is sweeping away homes, croplands and trees.
Our Bogra correspondent Mahfuz Mondal writes: The situation is similar in flood-affected Sariakandi upazila, where thousands are passing their days in the open on roads and flood barriers. They were provided with food grains by the local administration on Monday. But shortage of drinking water and medicare has been affecting the people.
Already the floods have claimed the life of 10-year-old boy who was drowned on Monday.
The meteorological department said a low pressure system developed in the west-central and north-west Bay of Bengal yesterday morning. It may cause some rain when it moves onshore over the Odisha state of India on Friday.
The rain in Bangladesh may aggravate the flooding and plight of people, it is feared.
