Severe Flooding Displaces 100,000 Residents in Northern Mymensingh

News-Ashiqur Rahman
At least four people have died due to severe flooding in Sherpur, with another woman reported missing. The bodies of the deceased were recovered in the last two days, including siblings Rahijob Ambia, 45, and Idris Ali, 65, both from Nalitabari upazila, as well as Hatem Ali and Alamgir from Abhinagar village.

Eyewitness accounts detail the tragic circumstances surrounding Ambia’s death, as she slipped on a flooded road while trying to reach a shelter with her five-year-old child. While Ambia was swept away by the rising waters, her child miraculously survived by clinging to a nearby tree. Idris Ali also fell victim to the floodwaters while returning home from a market; his body was later found half a kilometer away.

The bodies of Hatem and Alamgir were recovered late yesterday evening. Additionally, Mahua Khatun, a resident of Namabatkuchi village, has been missing since Friday night, prompting search efforts from local authorities.

The flooding has severely impacted approximately 100,000 residents across four upazilas in Sherpur: Sherpur Sadar, Jhenaigati, Nalitabari, and Sreebordi. Many families are struggling, with locals like Achia Khatun from Ghazirkhamar village reporting that water has entered their homes, forcing them to rely on dry food supplies.

The agricultural sector has also faced significant damage, with Aman paddy on 25,000 hectares and vegetables on 1,000 hectares submerged, affecting over 65,000 farmers. Matin Mia, a farmer from Ghazaria, expressed sorrow over the loss of his six bighas of Aman paddy.

In neighboring Mymensingh, over 125,000 people have been marooned in Dhobaura and Haluaghat upazilas. Farmers like Arif Mondol shared their experiences of losing their homes and livelihoods due to the floods.

Local authorities, led by Deputy Commissioner Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman, are actively working to evacuate flood victims and provide essential relief to those affected by this natural disaster. The situation remains critical as efforts continue to address the immediate needs of the community.