Short term flood fears in 4 divisions as heavy rain continues

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Heavy rainfall across Bangladesh and upstream areas has raised the risk of short-term flooding in several districts of the Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions over the next few days, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

Meanwhile, the Sangu River in Bandarban and the Matamuhuri River in Lama are already flowing above their danger levels due to mountain runoff and continuous rainfall.

The information was confirmed in a bulletin FFWC under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB), issued on Wednesday, Jul 8.

Over the past 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall has occurred across the Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram divisions, as well as in the upstream Indian states of Meghalaya, West Bengal, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

According to weather forecasts, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over the next three days in the Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions and adjoining upstream areas in India (Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal), followed by moderate to heavy rainfall over the subsequent two days.

Two Rivers Flow Above Danger Level

According to the bulletin, at 9am on Wednesday, the water level of the Sangu River at the Bandarban station was flowing 96cm above the danger level, having risen 348cm in the past 24 hours.

Similarly, the Matamuhuri River at the Lama station was flowing 14cm above the danger level, with its water level increasing by 173cm during the same period.

Flood Warning for Chattogram Division

Over the next three days, water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Silonia, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers are expected to rise rapidly.

As a result, within the next 24 to 72 hours, river levels may exceed danger levels in parts of Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari, potentially causing short-term flooding in low-lying areas.

Low-lying parts of Lakshmipur and Noakhali may also experience temporary inundation.

Flood Warning for Sylhet and Mymensingh Divisions

The bulletin states that water levels in the Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Kangsha, Sarigowain, Someshwari, Jadukata, and Bhugai rivers are expected to rise rapidly over the next three days.

Consequently, within the next 24 to 72 hours, some areas of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, and Mymensingh may see rivers flowing above danger levels, increasing the risk of short-term flooding.

In addition, water levels in the Surma and Kushiara rivers are also expected to rise rapidly over the next three days and may reach warning levels in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts.

Flood Warning for Rangpur Division

Water levels in the Teesta River in northern Rangpur Division are also expected to rise significantly over the next three days.

Within the next 24 to 48 hours, the Teesta may exceed its danger level in low-lying areas of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Rangpur, potentially triggering short-term flooding.

Although water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are currently stable, the FFWC says they are likely to rise over the next 72 hours, reaching warning levels in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts.