Flood risk looms in four divisions as three rivers flow above danger level

Flood conditions may worsen in four divisions of Bangladesh, including Rangpur and Sylhet, due to forecasts of heavy rainfall in the country's northern and northeastern regions as well as in the neighboring Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. Water levels at four monitoring stations on three major rivers are currently flowing above the danger level.

According to the regular bulletin issued by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Monday (July 20), water levels have exceeded the danger mark at the Fenchuganj (Sylhet) and Markuli (Sunamganj) stations on the Kushiyara River, the Chhatak station on the Surma River in Sunamganj, and the Kalmakanda station on the Someshwari River in Netrokona.

The FFWC said water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are likely to rise further over the next two days. As a result, flash or short-term flooding may occur in low-lying riverbank areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Kurigram.

The forecast noted that while the Surma River has risen over the past 24 hours, the Kushiyara River has receded slightly. However, both rivers are expected to rise again over the next three days. Within the next 24 to 48 hours, water levels in parts of Sylhet and Sunamganj may once again exceed the danger level, potentially worsening the ongoing flood situation.

In addition, water levels are increasing in the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Jinjiram, Someshwari, Bhogai, and Kangs rivers. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, these rivers may cross the danger level, causing or worsening flooding in low-lying areas of Sherpur, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sylhet, and Sunamganj.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and the Ganges continue to rise, while the Padma River remains stable. This trend is expected to continue over the next five days. As a result, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna may reach the warning level in parts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Tangail, inundating nearby low-lying areas.

Water levels are also rising in northern and northwestern rivers, including the Atrai, Karatoa, Punarbhaba, and Mahananda. Within the next 24 to 72 hours, the Atrai and Chhoto Jamuna rivers may reach the warning level, temporarily flooding low-lying areas of Naogaon and Natore districts.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Sangu River in Chattogram Division have also increased. The FFWC said the Sangu, Halda, and Matamuhuri rivers are expected to rise rapidly over the next three days.