Flood risk rises in several districts

Water levels in several rivers across Bangladesh are expected to rise over the next few days, with short-term flooding likely in parts of Sylhet, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Bandarban and Khagrachhari, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

In a bulletin issued on Tuesday, the FFWC said heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in several river basins, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

The Brahmaputra remained stable over the past 24 hours, while the Jamuna recorded a rise. However, both rivers are still flowing below danger level. Water levels may fall slightly over the next two days before rising again during the following three days. Rivers in the Ganges-Padma basin are expected to remain stable for three days before increasing.

In the Surma-Kushiyara basin, heavy rainfall could cause rapid rises in river levels. The Kushiyara River has already reached the warning level at the Fenchuganj and Markuli stations. In northern Bangladesh, the Teesta River has crossed the warning level at Dalia in Nilphamari, while the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are expected to rise further over the next three days.

The FFWC also forecast rapid increases in the Jinjiram, Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha rivers in the Mymensingh region.

Within the next 72 hours, rivers in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj may exceed warning levels at some locations, raising the risk of temporary flooding in nearby low-lying areas.

The highest flood risk has been forecast for the southeast. Over the next 24 to 72 hours, water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Selonia and Feni rivers may rise above danger level in parts of Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, triggering short-term floods.

The Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers are also expected to swell, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Bandarban and Khagrachhari.

The FFWC also warned that parts of Lakshmipur and Noakhali could experience temporary flooding and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions.