Surma, Kushiara, Someshwari exceed danger level as flood threat grows

Flash or short-term flooding is feared in five northern districts over the next two days

Flooding is likely to worsen in parts of the Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions.

On Monday, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) warned that water levels in the Surma, Kushiara and Someshwari rivers were flowing above danger level.

It said the three rivers were above danger level at four monitoring stations in three districts.

The Surma was 16cm above danger level at Chhatak, Sunamganj. The Kushiara stood 30cm above at Fenchuganj, Sylhet, and 3cm above at Markuli, Sunamganj. The Someshwari was 15cm above danger level at Kalmakanda, Netrokona.

The Surma rose over the past 24 hours while the Kushiara fell.

However, both rivers are expected to rise over the next three days, potentially crossing danger level at more locations within 24-48 hours, triggering short-term flooding in low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj and worsening existing floods.

The FFWC also warned that the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha rivers could breach danger level at several points within 48 hours, causing flooding in adjacent lowlands.

Heavy rainfall upstream in Meghalaya, including 371mm at Williamnagar and 279mm at Cherrapunji, has intensified the situation. Heavy rain is forecast across the country, except Chattogram.

In the north, rising water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers could trigger flash floods in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram.

Water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Ganges and several northern rivers are also likely to keep rising.