Padma water rise maroons thousands in Kushtia, 13 schools shut

Rising water in the Padma River has inundated low-lying and Char areas in Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia, marooning thousands of residents and damaging farmland across two unions.

At least 13 schools in the affected region have suspended classes as a result.

Local authorities say the buildings are now being used as shelters for displaced families.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Kushtia, the river is currently flowing 98cm below the danger mark. At 12pm on Thursday, the water level at the Bhagjot point in Ramkrishnopur Union stood at 14.72 metres (m), while the official danger level is 15.70m.

BWDB Executive Engineer Rashidur Rahman said the river’s water level has been rising for 10 consecutive days, increasing by 10 to 15cm per day.

“This trend may continue for another two days. After that, levels should begin to recede. There’s no indication that the Padma will cross the danger line,” he added.

He also noted that the lowlands of Rajshahi, which were previously inundated, are now seeing water levels fall—suggesting conditions may stabilise soon.

Field visits show that most roads in Chilmary and Ramkrishnopur unions are submerged, cutting them off from the mainland.

Thousands remain waterlocked, with growing fears that floodwater could reach homes if the river continues to rise in the coming days.