Record rainfall waterlogs Sylhet as Surma, Kushiyara rise above danger mark

The Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet have swelled above the danger level amid a spell of heavy rains and upstream runoff. The continuous showers have also led to waterlogging in several parts of the city.

“The water at two points of the Surma and Kushiyara rivers has crossed the danger mark. However, other rivers in the region have not yet breached that threshold,” said Dipak Ranjan Das, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Sylhet, said.

On Sunday, Shah Md Sajib Hossain, assistant meteorologist at the Sylhet Meteorological Office, said that the city received 404.8mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours, the most so far this year.

As of 9am, the Surma River was flowing 106cm above the danger level at Lubachhara and 79cm above the level at Kanaighat, according to the WDB. The Kushiyara River was 93cm above the danger level at Amalshid, and the Manu River was just 0.1cm above the danger level at Moulvibazar.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sher Mohammad Mahbub Murad said, “Two days of rainfall and hill runoff have filled our rivers to the brim. We’re fully prepared at both the district and Upazila levels in case of flooding. Additionally, 582 shelters have been readied with dry food and relief supplies.”

Waterlogging remains a major issue across many neighbourhoods of Sylhet city due to the persistent rain and upstream water flow. Reports indicate that water has entered many homes.

Ahmed Mia, a resident of North Dhopadighirpar in Sylhet, said: “Water started rising on the road in front of our house on Saturday afternoon. It subsided by the evening, but when the rain resumed overnight, we woke up Sunday morning to find water on the road again.

“Now the rain has brought it into our house too. Only Allah knows when we’ll be free from this constant waterlogging.”

Shakil, a resident of Bonkalapara, added: “Water entered our house early on Sunday morning. It’s still here, and the rain hasn’t stopped. We’ve been facing this issue for a long time, but there’s no solution. No one can even say when there will be one.

“We live in fear now. Whenever it rains, we worry water will flood into our home.”