Shariatpur: Massive flood has inundated 15 unions in four upazilas of Shariatpur, forcing the authorities of around 90 schools, mostly primary ones, to shut down those.

Sources at the UNO offices of Zanjira and Naria said the school authorities in consultation with the officials concerned closed the educational institutions as floodwater reached the school building, hampering academic activities, according to a UNB report.

Of the schools, 35 are in Zanjira while the rest in Naria.

The upazila nirbahi officer of Zanjira Abdul Quader said six unions of the upazila were submerged by floodwater. Thirty-five schools also went under water in the upazila, he said.

Visiting the worst affected areas, it was found that many areas in Zanjira, Naria, Bhedarganj and Gosairhat remained under water for the last one month.

The situation took a turn for the worse over the last 10 days, leaving a large number of people marooned. Many also lost their homesteads to riverbank erosion.

Many victims were taking shelter in safe places while others refused to vacate their homesteads.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday to discuss the issue.

DC M Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Civil Surgeon Dr Mashiur Rahman, senior assistant police super Abdur Razzak and the UNOs of the affected four upazilas were present at the meeting.

The DC said those affected by flood and riverbank erosion have been evacuated to safe shelters.

He also said Tk 4 lakh in cash and 50 tonnes of GR relief materials have already reached the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the civil surgeon said they were providing treatment to the flood victims through setting up makeshift camps in the affected areas.