Rain-fed Jamuna River swells unusually in Sirajganj, say authorites

The water level of the Jamuna River is rising abnormally in Sirajganj due to torrential rainfall and the onrush of water from upstream.

The Jamuna River at Sirajganj point swelled by 44 centimeters, while at the Meghai point in Kazipur upazila gone up by 48 centimetres in the past 24 hours on Thursday, authorities said.

However, the water is still flowing nearly two metres below the danger level.

The Jamuna River at Sirajganj was flowing 1.99 metres below the danger level, after rising 44 cm in 24 hours.

At the Meghai point in Kazipur, the river water rose by 48 cm and is now 2.12 metres below the danger level.

Besides, the low-lying areas along the Jamuna basin have already been inundated, with more areas gradually going underwater.

While residents living along the riverbanks fear potential flooding, the Water Development Board (WDB) has discounted any immediate threat.

According to official sources, water levels in the Jamuna have been rising unusually for several days due to onrush of water from upstream and intense rainfall inside the country.

The rapid rise in water has sparked fears among residents of the river’s char (shoal) areas.

In particular, there is growing concern that croplands in low-lying areas of Shahjadpur, Chowhali, Belkuchi, Kazipur and parts of Sirajganj Sadar upazila may get submerged.

A vast tract of the low-lying areas along the Jamuna basin have gone under water and more areas are being affected as the water level continues to rise.

Riverbank erosion has also been reported in several areas along the Jamuna.

Nazmul Hossain, sub-divisional engineer (Headquarters) of the local Water Development Board, said that water levels in the Jamuna River near Sirajganj are rising rapidly due to repeated bouts of heavy rainfall and upstream flooding.

The river may continue to rise for another day or two, but there is no risk of flooding at this stage, he said.