Flood death toll in Sherpur rises to 7

The flood situation in Sherpur has worsened, with continuous rain causing river levels to rise and floodwaters to enter new areas. So far, seven people have died due to the flooding.

Local authorities, along with volunteer organisations and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), are working to rescue those trapped. Since Saturday morning (October 5), army personnel have also joined the rescue efforts.

Seven more unions in Sherpur Sadar and Nakla upazilas were submerged as floodwaters from the Maharshi, Someshwari, Chellakhali, Bhogai, and Mrigi rivers overflowed from the hills, further escalating the crisis. 

Currently, over 200 villages across 28 unions in five upazilas are flooded, leaving more than 150,000 people stranded. Government educational institutions in Jhenaigati and Nalitabari upazilas have been declared shelters.

Nakla Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Habibur Rahman confirmed that one person died in Nakla on Saturday night, adding to the five deaths in Nalitabari and one in Jhenaigati.

Sherpur District Fisheries Officer Pranab Kumar Karmakar reported that 2,057 fish enclosures were swept away in Jhenaigati and Nalitabari upazilas, with estimated losses of over Tk 11 crore. 

The district's Agriculture Office also noted significant damage, with at least 30,000 hectares of aman crops and 1,000 hectares of vegetable crops destroyed, affecting around 70,000 farmers.

The army began rescue and relief operations in Nalitabari upazila on Saturday morning, deploying 60 personnel using six speedboats to aid in the rescue efforts.

Jhenaigati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ashraful Alam Russel said that many residents have been rescued and taken to shelters, where they are receiving clean water and dry food. He estimated that 70-80% of the upazila has been flooded.

Nalitabari Upazila Executive Officer Masum Rana reported that more than 10,000 people have taken refuge in 58 of the upazila’s 123 shelters. Twelve unions have been affected, with five suffering the most damage.

Deputy Commissioner Tarafdar Mahmudur Rahman stated that several rivers in the district are still flowing above danger levels. The district and upazila administrations remain on high alert, working to rescue affected residents and provide them with essential supplies, as more areas continue to flood.