Brahmaputra, Dharla flowing above danger level

The mighty Brahmaputra and Dharla rivers are flowing above the danger level due to incessant rains and onrush of water from upstream In Kurigram. As the water level rising rapidly, about 80 island chars in the low-lying areas of the Brahmaputra and Dharla basins have been inundated. Houses and vegetable fields have been submerged in the affected area.

Around 15,000 families in the lower areas Kurigram are in knee-deep water.

River erosion has occurred at least 15 points of Rajarhat, Ulipur, Chilmari, Rowmari and Char Rajibpur upazilas along the banks of the river.

The Water Development Board (WDB) says, the water level of the Brahmaputra River at Nunkhawa point has increased by 55cm and is flowing 14cm above the danger level at Shimulbari point in the last 24 hours. Besides, the water level of other rivers is rising gradually.

Farmer of Begumganj union of Ulipur upazila. Abdur Rahman said, 'My pointed gourd fields have been submerged as the water of Dharla is rising. Now all the vegetable plants will die. If there was no water, I could have made a profit by selling pointed gourds.'

Kurigram's Rajarhat Agriculture Meteorological Office Officer-in-Charge, Subal Chandra Sarkar, said the district recorded 130mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. Which can continue for a day or two.