Sirajganj, July 13 (V7N)- The water level of the Jamuna River has begun to fall in Sirajganj and Kazipur, improving the flood conditions in the district. Despite this, various waterborne diseases are emerging in areas that have been submerged for a prolonged period. Even with the receding waters, around 100,000 people in 34 unions across five upazilas remain trapped by the floodwaters.
 
Recent reports indicate that approximately six individuals have died due to boat accidents and drowning during the current floods in Sirajganj Sadar, Shahjadpur, and Chauhali.
 
Jamuna River Floods: Thousands Trapped as Water Levels Recede
 
The victims include Roman Hossain (14), son of Ali Hossain from Sahed Nagar Bepari Para in Sirajganj municipality and an 8th-grade student at Sabuj Kanan School and College; Maruf Hossain (18), son of Abdul Hamid from Dariapur Mohalla in Shahjadpur upazila and an HSC candidate at Shahjadpur Government College; Sajal Hossain (18), son of Shah Alam from the same area; Tanmoy Sheikh (20), son of Touhid; Kausar (3), son of Bayezid from Itail village in Baghutia union of Chauhali upazila; and Mahim Hossain (5), son of Majnu Mia from Paschim Kodalia village in Khashpukuria union of the same upazila, according to the Relief and Rehabilitation Office.
 
Local sources reported that as the floodwaters began to recede in Sirajganj from July 7, flood-affected people who had sought refuge elsewhere started to return home. However, on July 10, the rising water levels in the Jamuna River again caused distress to these residents.
 
On Saturday morning (July 13), Ranajit Kumar Sarkar, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Sirajganj Water Development Board, stated that in the past 12 hours, the water level at the hard point of the city protection dam in the Jamuna River has decreased by 10 cm, flowing 35 cm above the danger level. Meanwhile, at the Meghai Ghat point in Kazipur, the water level has dropped by 12 cm, flowing 10 cm above the danger level.
 
Mahbubur Rahman, Executive Engineer of the Sirajganj Water Development Board (WDB), noted that the water level of the Jamuna River has begun to fall. However, heavy rainfall upstream could cause the water level to rise again. Sandbags are being used to prevent erosion in areas impacted by the current floods. There is no significant risk of a major flood in the current situation.
 
Sirajganj Floods: Residents Struggle Amid Dropping Water Levels
 
He further mentioned that approximately 100,000 people residing along the banks and in char areas of the internal rivers, including the Jamuna, are still waterlogged. Around 10,000 hectares of crops are submerged under the Jamuna's waters, causing severe hardship for farmers and laborers in the flood-affected regions.
 
Sirajganj Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Akhtaruzzaman said that 133 tons of rice, 500,000 taka, and 300 packets of dry food have been distributed to the flood-affected people.
 
END/COR/SMA/