Flood fears rise as Sunamganj records season's heaviest rainfall

Water levels in key rivers continue to rise as upstream flows pour in from India

Sunamganj has recorded its highest rainfall of the monsoon season, with 265mm falling over the past 24 hours as water levels continue rising across the district's major rivers.

On Thursday, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said persistent rain in Bangladesh and upstream downpours in India's Meghalaya have sharply increased flows in the Surma, Kushiyara, Jadukata and Rakti rivers.

This was the season's highest rainfall, logged up to 9am on Thursday, according to Sunamganj BWDB Executive Engineer-1 Mamun Howlader, who said drizzle was ongoing.

Heavy rainfall and hilly runoff have also persisted across Meghalaya, accelerating the rise in river levels across Sunamganj, he added.

The engineer noted that the Surma River rose by 51cm at the Sunamganj point, flowing at a height of 7.20m, and grew by 44cm at the Chhatak point to reach 8.17m.

The Jadukata River recorded 126mm of rainfall in 24 hours at the Lauergarh point, where water rose 113cm to flow at 8.5m.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has warned that the Surma and Kushiyara could breach danger levels over the next three days, raising the risk of flooding.

Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Md Minhazur Rahman said all rivers remained below danger levels for now, but the administration stood ready to respond if flooding occurs.