Nine rivers still above danger mark in northeast as floodwaters ‘gradually easing’

Officials say falling rainfall has begun to ease pressure in parts of the flood-hit region, even as new warnings emerge in others

Water levels in nine rivers across Bangladesh’s northeastern region are flowing above the danger mark at 11 different points following days of heavy rain and upstream hill runoff, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

Despite the continued overflow, officials said the overall flood situation has shown “slight improvement” compared with the previous day due to a lack of fresh rainfall.

On Tuesday afternoon, FFWC Executive Engineer Manjur Rahman said conditions were gradually easing in some areas.

“Overall, the situation is better than the previous day. Flood conditions in Netrokona are improving as water levels in the Bhogai-Kangsha and Someshwari rivers, although still above danger level, are now receding due to no rainfall since [Monday],” he said.

However, he noted that new points in the Kalni-Kushiyara river system had crossed the danger mark.

At Fenchuganj in Sylhet and Markuli in Habiganj, the Kushiyara River is flowing above the danger level.

“These areas were forecast earlier, and alerts have already been issued,” he added.

Although two new river points crossed danger levels on Tuesday, Manjur said this did not necessarily indicate an overall deterioration.

“Even if the number of points above the danger level increases slightly, it does not always mean a worsening situation overall. In some places, floodwater had already accumulated in low-lying areas earlier due to rainfall.

“So even if the river level crosses the danger mark later, it does not have an immediate additional impact,” he said.

He added that flood conditions in Netrokona have improved and water levels in several rivers, including the Someshwari, are now beginning to fall.

However, rising levels in parts of the Kalni-Kushiyara system could create fresh concerns in Sylhet and Sunamganj.

The nine rivers flowing above pre-monsoon danger levels at 11 points as of 9am are: Kushiyara at Fenchuganj in Sylhet and Markuli in Sunamganj, the Naljuri at Jagannathpur, the Baulai at Khaliajuri in Netrokona, Bhogai-Kangsha at Jaria-Jhanjail, Someshwari at Kalmakanda, Mogra at Netrokona and Atpara, Kalni-Kushiyara at Ajmiriganj in Habiganj, Sutang at Sutang Railway Bridge, and the Manu at Moulvibazar.

The FFWC said no significant rainfall was recorded in the upstream or Haor basin areas of the northeast in the past 24 hours.

However, it warned of possible rainfall ahead.

According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and global forecasting models, light to moderate rain is expected in the next 24 hours, while moderate to heavy rainfall is likely over the following two days.

The FFWC defines 12–22mm as moderate rain, 23–43mm as moderately heavy, and 44–88mm as heavy rainfall.

It added that water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara system in Sylhet and Sunamganj may rise slowly over the next three days, potentially worsening flood conditions in nearby low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, the Bhogai-Kangsha and Someshwari rivers in Netrokona are likely to remain stable, with flooding persisting in nearby Haor lowlands.

Similar stability is expected in the Dhanu-Baulai system across Netrokona and Kishoreganj, where inundation may continue.

In Moulvibazar, the Manu River is expected to rise for one day before stabilising, while the Juri River may remain stable initially and rise later.

In Habiganj, the Khwai River is likely to stabilise before rising again, while the Sutang River may continue to recede, improving flood conditions in the district.