Padma Water Rise Strands People and Livestock in Rajshahi Chars
Floodwaters from the rising Padma River have inundated several char areas in Rajshahi, forcing residents and their livestock to seek shelter on city protection embankments and relatives' homes. Although water levels remain below the danger mark, the local situation has caused significant hardship for the affected communities.
The water level of the Padma River in Rajshahi has been on the rise, leading to water entering various char areas located to the south of the river. According to official data, the affected locations include Midilchar, Charkhidirpur, Khanpur, and various chars situated within Charghat and Bagha upazilas.
Despite the rising trend, the Bangladesh Water Development Board has confirmed that the Padma River is currently flowing below the designated danger mark. The established danger-level height for the river stands at 18.05 meters, while the actual water level remains 0.79 meters below that critical threshold.
Detailed measurements recorded over a 24-hour period illustrate the steady upward movement of the river. On Thursday at 6:00 PM, the recorded water height was 17.15 meters. This measurement increased to 17.20 meters by Friday morning at 9:00 PM, and further climbed to 17.26 meters by Friday evening at 6:00 PM.
The encroachment of the floodwaters into the residential and agricultural char lands has severely disrupted daily life for local inhabitants. Enamul Haq and other residents of the affected regions now face mounting challenges as the rising water compels them to evacuate their homes.
In response to the inundation, displaced families have been forced to relocate with their domestic animals. Many residents have moved their livestock and belongings up to the city protection embankment, while others have found temporary refuge at the homes of their relatives.
