Flash floods damage Boro paddy on 365 hectares in Netrakona’s Durgapur

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall upstream in India’s Meghalaya have inundated vast croplands in Durgapur upazila of Netrakona, leaving farmers struggling to salvage ripening Boro paddy.

Rising water levels in the Someshwari River, fed by hill runoff from across the border, have submerged low-lying fields over the past several days, disrupting harvest at a critical stage.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Nipa Biswas said around 365 hectares of Boro paddy are currently under water across five unions, while standing crops on at least 144 hectares have already been damaged.

“Continuous rainfall and upstream flow have caused the river to overflow into agricultural land, putting farmers at risk of significant losses,” she said, urging growers to harvest crops as quickly as possible where conditions allow.

On the ground, farmers were seen wading through waist-deep water to cut paddy, while others reported losses as harvested grains could not be dried due to persistent rain.

Local farmers said the situation has become critical as both standing and harvested crops are at risk. “Half of my field is still submerged, and the portion I managed to harvest cannot be dried,” said Fazlu Mia, a farmer from Durgapur Sadar union.

Another farmer, Guhim Hajong, said mature paddy remains underwater and may rot if rainfall continues.

Officials said a total of 17,608 hectares of land were brought under Boro cultivation in the upazila this season. A list of affected farmers is being prepared for assistance.

According to local water authorities, river levels remained below the danger mark but continued to rise due to sustained rainfall.

Meanwhile, floodwaters have also damaged a locally built wooden bridge over the Someswari, disrupting movement of residents, including students and daily commuters. Residents have been forced to rely on boats for crossing.

Authorities said support measures for affected farmers are being planned, amid concerns that prolonged inundation could lead to substantial economic losses in the agriculture-dependent region.