Paddy fields have been submerged due to continuous rain. Photo: BSS

KISHOREGANJ, May 3, 2026 (BSS) - Continuous rainfall and upstream water pressure have led to widespread waterlogging in haor areas of the district, submerging ripe paddy fields and putting farmers in severe distress.

Farmers who had already harvested their crops are struggling to dry the paddy due to a lack of sunlight. As a result, large quantities of harvested paddy are beginning to rot, while in some cases, seedlings have started sprouting from mature grains—raising fears of significant agricultural losses.

According to the Kishoreganj office of the Water Development Board, river water levels have shown mixed trends over the past 24 hours. The Dhanu-Boulai River at Itna point recorded a rise to 3.16 meters, up by 10 centimeters, while the Meghna River at Chhattaghat rose by 5 centimeters to 2.78 meters.

In contrast, the Kalni River at Ashtagram saw a slight decrease, dropping 5 centimeters to 2.40 meters. Similarly, the Meghna River at Bhairab Bazar fell by 3 centimeters to 1.77 meters.

Despite these fluctuations, officials confirmed that river levels across the district remain below the danger mark, ranging between 110 and 400 centimeters below the critical levels. However, authorities warn that continued rainfall and upstream inflow could trigger further rises, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying haor regions.

The Nikli Meteorological Office reported 37.2 millimeters of rainfall in the district over the past 24 hours.

Agricultural officials estimate that approximately 9,045 hectares of land have already been submerged, with the worst-affected areas being Itna and Ashtagram upazilas.

Executive Engineer Md. Sajjad Hossain said that the situation is under constant monitoring. Farmers and local authorities have been advised to remain vigilant and expedite the harvesting process to minimize potential losses.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the district Department of Agricultural Extension Dr. Sadiqur Rahman confirmed the extent of the damage and warned that prolonged waterlogging could further aggravate the situation.

With thousands of hectares of ripe paddy at risk, farmers across Kishoreganj are facing growing uncertainty as they race against time and weather conditions to salvage their crops.