Kushiara, Someshwari rivers flow above danger level, raising fresh flood fears

The Met Office forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Chattogram and Barishal divisions over the next two days

The Kushiyara and Someshwari rivers are flowing above danger level at three points, raising fresh flood fears across parts of Bangladesh.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Wednesday warned of a possible deterioration in the flood situation in Sylhet and Sunamganj, while low-lying areas of Naogaon and several other districts could face fresh inundation.

As of 9am on Wednesday, the Kushiara was flowing 35cm above danger level at Fenchuganj in Sylhet and 2cm above at Markuli in Sunamganj.

The Someshwari was 5cm above danger level at Kalmakanda in Netrokona. Water on the Surma at Chatak, however, had receded below danger level.

The FFWC said the Surma-Kushiara basin could rise further over the next 24-48 hours, triggering short-term flooding.

The Atrai in Rajshahi Division may also cross danger level, threatening low-lying areas of Naogaon.

Although water levels in the Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have fallen, parts of Bandarban, Cox's Bazar and Chattogram could see temporary flooding over the next 48-72 hours.

The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Teesta-Dudhkumar river systems may also approach warning levels in several northern districts, while flood conditions in Netrokona are expected to improve.