(BSS)- Thousands of people have become isolated as low-lying areas of Chapainawabganj have been inundated following a continuous rise in the water level of the Padma River over the past seven days.

The water level of the Padma, swollen by upstream water flow, is approaching the warning level.

Low-lying areas of Shahjahanpur, Alatuli and Narayanpur unions of Sadar upazila and Panka, Uzirpur and Durlabhpur unions of Shibganj upazila have been inundated, forcing many residents to move to safer places.

The District Water Development Board said there is no possibility of the river crossing the danger mark.

At 9 am today, the Padma water level rose by 11 centimetres in 24 hours and was flowing 36 centimetres below its danger level (22.05 metres.)

Around 362 hectares of Aman-Aus paddy, summer onion and vegetables have gone underwater, Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension agriculturalist Atikul Islam said.

On the other hand, around 13 educational institutions in Sadar and Shibganj have also been inundated, with classes suspended temporarily.

Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board S M Ahsan Habib said the water levels of the district`s three major rivers-the Padma, Mahananda and Punarbhaba- may rise until Friday, but none is likely to cross the danger mark.

However, he warned that further rise in water could increase damage in low-lying areas.

The local administration has advised residents of riverbank and low-lying areas to remain alert.