Flood alert issued for five districts

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across eastern, southeastern, and northeastern Bangladesh over the next week. As a result, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that within the next five days, rivers in parts of Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari may rise above the danger level, causing short-term flooding.

The information was disclosed in a special bulletin signed by Sardar Uday Raihan, Executive Engineer (Civil) of the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), on Sunday (July 5).

According to the forecast, from July 5 to 12, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Chattogram divisions, along with the Indian states and regions of Meghalaya, Assam, the Barak Basin, Tripura, and the hilly and coastal areas of Myanmar, are likely to receive 100 to 150 millimetres or more of rainfall above the seasonal average. In some locations, cumulative rainfall could reach between 350 and 500 millimetres.

The bulletin also noted that a seasonal low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining coasts of northern Odisha and West Bengal may further intensify rainfall across eastern Bangladesh.

It added that between July 5 and 10, water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers may rise rapidly. Consequently, river levels in parts of Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari could exceed the danger mark, triggering short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

In addition, some low-lying riverine areas of Lakshmipur and Noakhali may experience temporary inundation.

The forecast further stated that between July 8 and 10, water levels in several rivers in the northeastern region may increase rapidly and reach warning levels in parts of Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions. This could lead to temporary waterlogging and localized flooding in low-lying riverbank 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 water levels in these rivers are expected to decline over the next two days, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said they may rise again between July 8 and 10.