Bangladesh forecasts short-term flooding in Chattogram Division as heavy rain looms

Upstream rainfall of up to 500mm could trigger flooding in south-eastern districts

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board has forecast short-term flooding in low-lying riverside areas of the Chattogram Division due to heavy rainfall.

In its weekly forecast on Thursday, the centre said heavy rainfall is expected in south-eastern Bangladesh, India's Tripura, and areas bordering Myanmar through Jul 9 or around that period.

Upstream areas adjacent to south-eastern Bangladesh could receive between 300mm and 500mm of rainfall during the period.

The FFWC said water levels in the Sangu, Matamuhuri, Halda, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia and Gomti rivers in Chattogram Division may rise rapidly.

As a result, short-term flooding may occur in parts of Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Khagrachhari and Rangamati during the second half of the week, from Jul 6 to Jul 9.

The warning centre also said water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system could reach the danger level at some locations in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur and Bogura between Jul 4 and Jul 7, with nearby low-lying areas facing the risk of inundation.