Flash Flood Damages Road, Isolates 2,000 Families in Lalmonirhat

Online Desk : A flash flood triggered by upstream hill runoff and continuous rainfall damaged a regional road in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, disrupting road communication for around 2,000 families.

The Teesta River flowed above the danger level on Wednesday evening, causing a sudden flood that inundated at least six localities in Dahagram Union. However, floodwaters began receding on Thursday morning.

According to local residents, the Teesta’s water level rose by two to three feet within a few hours due to heavy upstream flows from India, flooding several areas in Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Dahagram Union.

The flood also submerged around 500 acres of transplanted Aman paddy fields. However, the Department of Agricultural Extension in Patgram said the crop suffered no significant damage as the floodwater receded within a few hours.

As the water receded, the approach roads on both sides of a bridge over the Sakoa River in the Sristiarpar area of Ward No. 1 were washed away.

A nearly 20-foot section of the regional paved road connecting Sristiarpar with Angarpota and Patgram collapsed, leaving a crater about 10 feet deep, according to local residents.

The damage has cut off road communication for nearly 2,000 families in Dangapara, Mistripara, Pradhanpara, Olerpar and Sakoapara villages under Wards 2 and 3, causing severe hardship for residents, including children, elderly people and livestock owners.

“Asad Mia, a resident of Ward No. 3, said they discovered the road had been washed away on Thursday morning.

“It will be impossible to travel unless the road is repaired. There is also a risk of falling into the large crater while trying to cross,” he said.

Patgram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanvir Hossain said he had contacted the executive engineer of the Roads Department immediately after learning about the damage.

“The Roads Department has assured us that the damaged section will be repaired as soon as possible,” he said.