Padma River flooding strands 50,000 people in Kushtia

Rising water levels in the Padma River, driven by heavy rainfall and upstream runoff from India, have caused significant flooding in the Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia. Approximately 50,000 people in the Chilmari and Ramkrishnapur unions are currently stranded as roads, farmland, and residential areas are submerged.

At the Hardinge Bridge point, the river's water level has risen by nearly 90 centimeters over the past week, approaching the danger level of 13.80 meters. Local authorities report that about 350 hectares of cropland, including Aman rice, bananas, and chilies, have been damaged.

The flooding has disrupted communication, forcing residents to rely on boats and rafts for movement. Educational activities at 18 local institutions have been suspended due to safety concerns and water entering school premises. Additionally, residents have reported an increased presence of venomous snakes in flooded areas, adding to the local distress. There are growing concerns regarding shortages of clean drinking water, dry food, and livestock feed if the water levels continue to rise.