Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 13, 2025 (BSS) - At the initial stage, 200 people severely affected by flooding in the Padma River were provided with relief materials to mitigate their hardships. 

The relief distribution took place this morning in Char Khidirpur, Char Khanpur, and Char Taranagar under Paba Upazila of the district. The materials were transported and distributed by boat due to inundated roads.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Aman Zaman, accompanied by Project Implementation Officer Engineer Abu Bashir and Acting Chairman of Harian Union Parishad Saber Ali, handed over the relief goods to the flood-affected people.

Speaking on the occasion, UNO Arafat Aman Zaman said the present interim government is deeply committed to reducing the sufferings of the flood victims and has taken various need-based initiatives to support them during this crisis.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Padma River have been rising steadily over the past few days, submerging low-lying areas in both Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), as of 6 am on Wednesday, the water level in the Padma stood at 17.48 metres, just 0.57 metres below the danger mark of 18.05 metres.

The onrush of upstream water has inundated croplands and dwelling houses, creating immense difficulties for the affected families who are also struggling to manage their domestic animals and household belongings.

Chairman Saber Ali noted that floodwaters have reached the doorsteps of many homes, prompting evacuations from the river islands (chars) to safer inland locations. Managing livestock during the relocation remains a major concern for many families.

BWDB officials have temporarily suspended access to the T-groin area along the city protection embankment and instructed traders and others to vacate vulnerable points as a precautionary measure.

According to official data, the flood-affected areas include Char Asadiadaha in Godagari Upazila, Char Mazar Diar, Char Khidirpur, and Diar Khidirpur under Paba Upazila, and Char Alaipur and Gargari under Bagha Upazila.

Local residents are struggling to cope with the situation. Masud Rana, a villager from Char Khidirpur, said, "Our area is completely submerged, and managing domestic animals has become a major challenge."

Another resident, Abdur Raquib, said they have started relocating valuables by boat to safer areas.

In Rajshahi city, several neighborhoods, including Talaimari, Kazla, Panchabati, Pathanpara, Lalon Shah Muktamancha, and Srirampur, have been affected by flooding, forcing residents to evacuate.

Large portions of Char Khidirpur and Khanpur, near the Indian border, have gone underwater, while the entire Char Mazar Diar island is now fully submerged. Many displaced residents have taken temporary shelter along the city embankment with their livestock.

In Chapainawabganj district, around 8,000 families in Shibganj and Chapainawabganj Sadar upazilas have been marooned by floodwaters.

Shibganj UNO Azahar Ali reported that nearly 7,500 people in Paka, Ujirpur, and Durlavpur unions were stranded. Chapainawabganj Sadar UNO Nurul Islam said about 500-700 families in Narayanpur and Alatuli unions have also been affected.

Both UNOs confirmed that relief efforts are ongoing through respective union parishads.

BWDB Executive Engineer Arifur Rahman Ankur said the Padma's water level may continue to rise for two more days. 

However, he stated there is no immediate apprehension of a major flood, and preparations are in place to tackle any unforeseen situation.