Flood risk looms in three divisions

Bangladesh is facing the threat of short-term flooding in three divisions due to heavy upstream rainfall and hill runoff, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

The agency warned that low-lying areas in Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions could be inundated within the next 24 to 48 hours. Several major rivers may also cross danger levels, prompting authorities to urge local administrations and residents to remain alert.

In Nilphamari, water levels in the Teesta River at the Dalia point rose 13 centimetres above the danger mark on Wednesday morning before receding later in the day. By 6:00 pm, the water level had fallen to 2 centimetres below the danger level.

However, as water levels dropped, severe riverbank erosion intensified along the Teesta. Large cracks have appeared in flood control embankments, with sections collapsing in some areas, disrupting local movement. Crops including vegetables, maize and peanuts have suffered extensive damage.

Residents in eight unions along the riverbanks in Domar and Jaldhaka upazilas fear that without urgent protective measures, homes, mosques, graveyards and vast tracts of farmland could be swallowed by the river.

The FFWC forecast heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in Rangpur, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, as well as upstream areas, which may further raise river water levels.

Water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are expected to rise over the next two days, potentially crossing danger levels and triggering short-term flooding in parts of Sylhet and Sunamganj.

In the north, the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers may continue to rise for at least another day, with the Teesta and Dudhkumar likely to exceed danger levels at some points. This could inundate low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Kurigram and Gaibandha.

Rivers in the Mymensingh region, including the Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha, are also expected to swell, raising the risk of short-term flooding in parts of Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona by Thursday.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system may continue rising over the next five days, while the Ganges-Padma is expected to remain stable initially before increasing. In Chattogram, rivers such as the Gomti, Muhuri, Sangu, Feni and Halda may also see rising water levels over the next three days.

The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, across all eight divisions over the next five days, with moderately heavy to heavy rainfall expected in some areas.