Flash floods hit two upazilas in Netrokona

Flash floods have struck the bordering Kalimakanda and Durgapur upazilas in Netrokona due to heavy rainfall and hill runoff. Water levels in hilly rivers have risen rapidly, flooding several villages, submerging roads and washing away fish from many ponds.

On Monday (July 20) morning, water from hill runoff was seen entering localities through the Mahadev, Ganeshwari and Mongleshwar rivers in Kalimakanda's Kharnai, Rangshati and Lengura unions. At least 20 points of the main road from Kharnai Union to the upazila headquarters have been submerged, disrupting communication.

Meanwhile, about 10 villages in Gowkandia Union of Durgapur upazila are at risk of flooding. Fish farmers in various areas have suffered financial losses as pond embankments have collapsed and fish have washed away.

According to locals, hill runoff suddenly started flowing down the bordering rivers from Friday night, causing water levels to rise rapidly since then.

Kharnai Union Chairman Obaidul Haque said water has been entering with strong force through rivers and streams since late night. The water is even entering houses. Roads have been submerged and fish from many ponds have been washed away.

Ibrahim Hossain, a resident of Durgapur, said the Netai River is flowing into localities with strong currents. If the water continues to rise, more homes are feared to be flooded within the day.

Netrokona Water Development Board Executive Engineer Shakhawat Hossain said water levels in almost all rivers in the district are rising due to continuous rain and hill runoff. The Ubdakhali River in Kalimakanda was flowing 15 centimetres above the danger level. Additionally, several villages in Durgapur have been flooded due to rising water in the Netai River.

Kalimakanda Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Shamsuzzaman Asif said an administrative team has already visited the affected areas and the upazila administration is prepared to tackle the flash floods.