Padma Near Danger Mark Amid Upstream Rush, Thousands Waterlogged in Low-Lying Areas

Musa Mia

Rising water levels in the Padma River, fueled by an upstream rush, have left approximately 3,000 families waterlogged across five unions in the Sadar and Shibganj upazilas of Chapai Nawabganj. The Chapai Nawabganj Water Development Board reported that the Padma’s water level reached 21.76 meters at the Pankha gauge station by 9 AM on Friday, leaving it just 29 centimeters below the danger level of 22.05 meters. The situation has steadily worsened over recent days, with water measurements rising from 21.32 meters on September 7 to 21.69 meters on September 10. Along with the Padma, the Mahananda and Punarbhaba rivers are also swelling, having increased by 10 centimeters and 13 centimeters respectively over 24 hours, heightening the risk of further inundation in low-lying areas.

The persistent floodwaters have severely disrupted daily life, forcing numerous families to endure immense hardship as water penetrates their dwelling houses. Homesteads and livestock have been heavily impacted, leaving affected residents in critical distress. Furthermore, the District Education Office confirmed that 13 educational institutions, including government primary schools, high schools, colleges, and madrasas across the five affected unions, have been flooded. Academic activities at all of these institutions remain completely suspended due to the heavy water ingress, compounding the crisis for local communities.

Agricultural losses are mounting rapidly as well, threatening the livelihoods of farmers throughout the district. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, approximately 400 hectares of vital crops, including Aman and Aus paddy, summer onions, and various vegetables, have gone completely underwater. Local agricultural authorities express grave concern that this widespread submersion will result in massive crop damage if the water levels do not recede soon. Farmers are watching their fields submerge, fearing long-term economic devastation from the sudden and aggressive flooding.

As regional water levels continue their upward trend, concerned local authorities warn that newer areas in the district’s low-lying zones face an imminent threat of flooding. This ongoing environmental pressure is expected to further intensify public suffering across agricultural, educational, and domestic sectors. Relief efforts and close monitoring by district administrations remain crucial as communities brace for the possibility of the Padma River crossing its critical danger threshold in the coming days.