United News of Bangladesh

Flood fears are mounting in the northern border district of Kurigram as the water levels of major rivers continue to rise following days of heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff. The waters of the Brahmaputra, Dharla, Teesta and Dudhkumar rivers are flowing close to the danger level and severe riverbank erosion has been reported at 33 points in eight upazilas, according to the district administration. To protect the erosion-hit and highly vulnerable areas from being washed away, authorities have estimated that 393,500 geo bags are urgently required. According to the Kurigram district administration and the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the rise in river waters and hill runoff has already partially inundated 24 unions in five upazilas, affecting 5,492 families. Over the past three months, riverbank erosion has rendered 149 families homeless while 204 hectares of cropland have gone under water. The worst erosion is currently being witnessed at 33 locations in Kurigram Sadar, Rajarhat, Ulipur, Phulbari, Nageshwari, Bhurungamari, Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas. Among the most vulnerable areas are Sukherbati village under Char Shaulmari Union in Roumari upazila and Kodalkati Union in Rajibpur upazila, officials said. Local residents said powerful river currents are devouring cropland and homesteads before their eyes.