United News of Bangladesh

The flood situation in Sirajganj showed signs of improvement on Monday as the water level of the Jamuna River dropped. The river was flowing 65cm below the danger mark at Sirajganj point while 57cm below the danger level at Kazipur point on Monday morning, said Nasir Uddin, sub-divisional engineer (HQ) of Sirajganj Water Development Board. He said that the water has receded from many houses in the flood-hit areas and water may recede from most of the low-lying areas in the next two to three days. Also read: Flood Water receding, but not the diseases, food, and water crisis More than 50,000 people in 38 unions of 5 upazilas on the banks of the Jamuna River were stranded due to the flood. With flood waters receding, the miseries of the residents of the char areas in the district have increased. Besides, 9,500 hectares of cropland have been damaged due to the flood. The flood survivors are crying for relief. Apart from facing a food crisis, they need pure drinking water, fuel and fodder. According to district administration sources, 84 educational institutions have been shut due to the ongoing flood, hampering the studies of the students. As water level in the Jamuna started to fall river banks erosion has taken a serious turn in many places in the district. Also read: Receding flood waters reveal disastrous damage in Sylhet However, sand-filled bags were dumped at vulnerable points to protect the area from erosion. Besides, 184 shelters have been opened for the flood victims and 23 medical teams have been formed  to provide services round-the-clock.

Hundreds of buses, cars and trucks remained stranded at Paturia Ghat on Friday due to the onrush of homebound people ahead Eid-ul-Fitr. A long tailback has been seen on Paturia road since the morning. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) sources said over 700 vehicles including private vehicles, passenger buses, and trucks were stranded at Paturia Ghat, causing immense suffering to commuters. Over 500 freight trucks and 200 hundred other vehicles were waiting to get on the ferries. READ: Passengers suffer as traffic piles up at Paturia Ghat Shah Nawaz, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of BIWTC Aricha Sector, said that 17 ferries have been operating on this route as Banalata and Rajnigandha ferries were out of order. As normal cargo truck crossings will be closed three days before the Eid, they are waiting for the crossing now, he added. Meanwhile, many of the bus and truck drivers stranded at Paturia said that the suffering would increase further as Eid festival is getting closer.

People of Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon are facing immense suffering for want of a bridge over Kulik River. Their long wait for the bridge is not going to end soon. They use “Sako” (makeshift bamboo bridge) for crossing Kulik river. The villagers have to walk six to seven kilometers extra for not having a bridge to cross the river. “It has been heard for many years that a bridge will be built. Measurement has been taken several times but no sign of actual work, said Ramiz Uddin of the area. “It seems like slaying the slain” he said. Read: Goalundo bridge turns into death trap

A mild cold wave is sweeping over different parts of the country disrupting normal life.