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Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across eastern, southeastern and northeastern Bangladesh over the next week, raising the risk of flooding in several districts, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
In a special bulletin issued on Sunday (July 5), the Bangladesh Water Development Board’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said that river water levels in parts of Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari may rise above the danger level within the next five days, potentially triggering short-term flooding in low-lying areas.
The bulletin, signed by FFWC Executive Engineer (Civil) Sardar Uday Raihan, said that between July 5 and July 12, or around that period, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, along with the adjoining regions of Meghalaya, Assam, the Barak Basin and Tripura in India, and the hilly and coastal areas of Myanmar, are likely to receive 100 to 150 millimetres or more of rainfall above normal. In some places, cumulative rainfall could reach 350 to 500 millimetres.
The forecast also noted that a seasonal low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining northern Odisha–West Bengal coast could further intensify rainfall across eastern Bangladesh.
According to the special bulletin, water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers are expected to rise rapidly between July 5 and July 10. As a result, these rivers may flow above the danger level at several points in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari, causing short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. Parts of Lakshmipur and Noakhali located along riverbanks may also experience temporary inundation.
The FFWC also warned of a rapid rise in water levels in rivers across the country’s northeast. Between July 8 and July 10, several rivers in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions may reach the warning level, increasing the risk of temporary waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh districts.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers in Rangpur Division remain below the danger level. Although levels are expected to decline over the next two days, they may begin rising again between July 8 and July 10, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said.
