River water levels rising, flood risk looms in five districts

Following several consecutive days of heavy to very heavy rainfall, water levels in rivers across northern and northeastern Bangladesh are rising. Authorities have warned that the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers may swell rapidly within the next 24 to 48 hours, increasing the risk of flash or short-term flooding in low-lying riverside areas of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Kurigram districts. In addition, several other low-lying areas across the country may also face inundation over the coming days.

The information was disclosed in the Flood Situation and Forecast issued on Sunday (July 19) by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

According to the latest forecast, water levels of the Kushiyara River are currently flowing above the danger level at the Fenchuganj station in Sylhet and the Markuli station in Sunamganj. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next two days in Rangpur and Sylhet divisions, as well as in the Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. As a result, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are likely to continue rising over the next three days.

The forecast further states that some points along these two rivers may cross the danger level within the next 48 hours. This could trigger short-term flooding in low-lying riverside areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj districts, while areas already affected by flooding may continue to experience stable flood conditions.

The BWDB also forecast rising water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system. Between July 20 and July 24, river levels across the Brahmaputra-Jamuna basin may approach or exceed the danger level, raising the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Tangail districts.

According to the report, water levels in the Sarigowain, Jadukata, and Kangsha rivers in the northeastern region have remained stable, while the Someshwari and Bhugai rivers have recorded increases. Water levels in these rivers are expected to rise further over the next three days. Within the next 24 to 72 hours, parts of the Someshwari River in Netrokona district may exceed the danger level, potentially causing short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, water levels have also increased in the Upper Karatoa, Upper Atrai, Tangon, Punarbhaba, Mahananda, and Jamuneshwari rivers in northern Bangladesh. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said these rivers are also expected to continue rising over the next three days.

Officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board said river conditions are being monitored round the clock, and local administrations in the vulnerable areas have been advised to remain on alert.