Rezaul Islam Babu: In Rangpur, several areas have experienced flooding due to the heavy rainfall over the past two days, affecting numerous summer vegetable fields. Continuous rain has led to knee-deep water in low-lying neighborhoods of the city. Residents claim that this stagnant water issue stems from an inadequate drainage system. Additionally, the Teesta River’s water level has risen as a result of the recent rains, inundating low-lying char areas and causing significant damage to almond, paddy, and corn crops. According to officials from the Rangpur Meteorological Office, 246 millimeters of rain has been recorded in the last two days, with forecasts indicating that the rain may persist until May 23.

Meanwhile, the Rangpur Water Development Board’s control room reported that although the Teesta River’s water level is rising due to the ongoing rains, it remains below the danger threshold. However, there have been significant losses reported in rabi crops, particularly paddy, due to flooding in the char region. The heavy rains have also severely impacted summer crops, including vegetables, leading to crop rot from waterlogged fields. Farmers are expressing concerns about potential major losses if the rain continues, and the Agriculture Department is urging them to quickly drain excess water from their fields. Assistant Meteorologist Mostafizur Rahman confirmed the 246 millimeters of rainfall in Rangpur over the last two days and reiterated the possibility of continued rain until May 23. Farmer Hashem Mia from Kaunia reported that his two bighas of potol cultivation are now submerged, resulting in significant losses.

About 50 hectares of land in Sadyapuskurni Union of Rangpur Sadar Upazila and Ranipukur Union of Mithapukur have been submerged in knee-deep water due to the rains in the last two days. This has caused extensive damage to summer vegetables. Farmers say that almost all types of crops, including bitter gourd and jhing, have been submerged in the rainwater. 70 percent of the submerged crops will be ruined.

The Agriculture Department says that farmers are being advised to drain water from submerged fields quickly to reduce the damage. Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Mosfiqur Rahman said that farmers are being advised round the clock. It will be difficult to save the crops if water accumulates in the land. According to the Agriculture Department, more than 100 hectares of vegetable fields in Rangpur have been damaged in the rains of the last few days.