Water levels in Jamuna rise: Fear of early flood grips dwellers of low-lying areas

As the water level of Jamuna is increasing with the influence of cyclone 'Yaas', the people of low lying areas of Pabna and Sirajganj are worried over early flood induced by the cyclone.

However, the officials at the Water Development Board (WDB), however, said that there is nothing to be worried about and the increase in the water level is very normal at this moment.

"The rate of water level increase in Jamuna has been 14 to 15 centimeters in the last few days and the increasing trend will continue for the next few days but there is nothing to be worried," said Md Shafikul Islam, executive engineer of Sirajganj WDB.

The Jamuna is flowing 8 meter at the Hard Point while danger level is 13.5meter, he added.

Visiting different areas of Pabna and Sirajganj, it was found that the people of low lying areas were taking necessary preparations worrying about early flood. Most of them were harvesting their half ripe paddy, repairing their damaged boats in the low-lying areas.

"Last year, we could not save our crop from cyclone 'Amphan' and post-Amphan early flood. Fearing the onslaught of early flood induced by cyclone 'Yaas', we have hurriedly reaped our crop using harvesting machine," said Paresh Sutrodhor of Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj.

Meanwhile, many people have already started shifting their homes from the low-lying areas worrying about early flood.

"The water level increased very quickly last year bringing the early flood after the cyclone. We are very worried about the impact of this year's cyclone as well." Kamrul Islam of Pabna's Santhia upazila said.

Dispelling the foreboding of the people, Md Shafikul Islam said that "Increase of water level in Jamuna is very normal at this moment. However, there is no threat of early flood this year."