Flood situation in Sylhet shows mixed trends as Surma River water recedes, Kushiyara rises
UNB
Publish: 06 Jun 2024, 11:39 AM
Sylhet,
5 June (UNB) - The flood situation in Sylhet has shown mixed improvements and
deteriorations. While the water level of the Surma River, the main river in
Sylhet, has receded, the water level of the Kushiyara River continues to rise.
According to the Sylhet
District Administration, some new areas in Golapganj, Beanibazar, and
Bishwanath upazilas were inundated by Tuesday night's rain, though the flood
situation in other upazilas remains stable. Currently, 658,662 people are
marooned in the district.
The Sylhet Office of the
Water Development Board reported that, as of Wednesday afternoon, the Surma
River's water level was 51 centimetres above the danger level at Kanaighat
point. The Kushiyara River's water level is 18 centimetres above the danger level
at Zakiganj and 43 centimetres above the danger level at Fenchuganj. In Sylhet
city, the Surma River is flowing 6 centimetres below the danger level, and
other rivers have also fallen below the danger level.
Sylhet Deputy
Commissioner Sheikh Russell Hasan stated, "We are monitoring the flood
situation and ongoing relief distribution. Control rooms have been established
in all upazilas to assist flood victims, and medical teams have been formed in
each union."
Heavy rains and upstream
floods caused flooding in Companiganj, Jaintiapur, Kanaighat, Gowainighat, and
Zakiganj upazilas from 27 May. Flooding expanded to more upazilas later. The
situation slightly improved due to a break in rainfall on Friday and Saturday
but worsened again with heavy rains starting Sunday.
As of Tuesday, floods
affected all but three of Sylhet's 13 upazilas, marooning 739,362 people.
Latest data on Wednesday indicates 658,662 people remain marooned in 842
villages across 63 unions and 13 wards.
The district
administration has opened 571 shelters in the affected upazilas, currently
housing 4,505 people. In Sylhet metropolis, floodwater remains in 13 wards,
down from an initial 30. Gradual receding over the past two days has allowed
for the setup of 20 shelters, accommodating 4,000 people as of Wednesday.
Control rooms have been
established in the Sylhet DC Office and Upazila Nirbahi Officer's Offices to
monitor the flood situation. Dedicated officers and union-based medical teams
are providing health services and relief from government and non-government
sources.
End/UNB/Corr/MB