Rivers in Kishoreganj are still rising because of continuous rain and upstream flash floods. Over the past 24 hours the water rose at most points in the district, though it fell slightly at Bhairab Bazar. Sunday passed without rain, but rain began again in the district from midnight on Monday, 4 May.

According to the district Water Development Board, in the 24 hours to 9am on Monday the Dhanu-Baulai river at Itna rose 10 cm to 3.26 metres. The Meghna at Chamraghat rose 17 cm and the Kalni at Austagram 18 cm. At Bhairab Bazar the Meghna fell 5 cm to 1.72 metres. All rivers are below the danger level, but conditions could worsen if the rain and flash floods continue.

The Nikli weather office said 32.2 mm of rain was recorded in the district from Monday night to 6am, with intermittent moderate to heavy rain likely throughout the day. Unable to dry paddy kept in the kholas because of the continuous rain, many farmers have found their paddy sprouting, and in some places it has begun to rot.

According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), 10,050 hectares in the district had gone under water by Saturday, with Itna and Austagram upazilas worst hit.

Md Sajjad Hossain, executive engineer of the Kishoreganj Water Development Board, said the situation is under constant watch and farmers have been advised to harvest their paddy quickly and bring it home.

Dr Sadiqur Rahman, deputy director of the district DAE, said field officials have already begun listing affected farmers on the ministry's instructions.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.