RAJSHAHI, August 20, 2021 (BSS)- Low-lying areas in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts have become inundated due to rise of water in the rivers of Padma and Mohananda for the last couple of days continuously.

In Rajshahi city, many of the areas, including Panchabati, Raninagar, Shimultala, Balurghat, Talaimary, Bazekajla, Kedurmore and Ramchandrapur, were inundated marooning around 8,000 people.

Arman Ali, Councilor of Rajshahi City Corporation, told BSS that the affected areas are adjacent to the city protection embankment.

In Bagha Upazila in Rajshahi, some of the villages along with village markets and educational institutes were waterlogged due to the rise of water level in Padma River.

Azizul Azam, Chairman of Chalkrajapur Union Parishad, said the affected people are seen searching for safe places.

Many of the people are also suffering a lot due to river erosion caused by the strong water current in the river.

Shafiqul Islam, Executive Engineer of Water Development Board, said river erosion has aggravated amid rising of the water level. "We are struggling to check the erosion through dumping geo-bags," he added.

District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer in Rajshahi district Aminul Islam told BSS that five metric tons of rice has been allocated for the affected people in Godagari and Bagha Upazilas. Besides, the concerned UNOs were asked to prepare a list of the affected people, he added.

In Chapainawabganj district, nine unions in Sadar and Shibganj Upazilas have been waterlogged affecting around 22,000 households besides standing crops and vegetables on around 189 hectares of land.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension Nazrul Islam said standing crops on around 189 hectares of land have been inundated.