Haor rivers rise but remain below danger level, no immediate flood risk: FFWC

Water levels in several rivers across the Haor basin in Bangladesh’s north-east have risen, but there is no immediate risk of flooding, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

In its regular bulletin on Saturday, the centre said water levels in the Bhugai-Kangsha rivers increased over the past 24 hours, though they continue to flow below the pre-monsoon danger level.

In contrast, water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara and Dhanu-Baulai rivers declined during the same period.

The centre reported heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the northeast and upstream regions in the 24 hours leading up to 9:00am on Saturday.

Citing the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and global weather agencies, it forecast moderate to moderately heavy rainfall in the region over the next two days, followed by moderately heavy to heavy rainfall on the third day.

The water level of the Surma River may remain stable for the next three days, predicts the government agency that works under the Bangladesh Water Development Board.

Even though there is a possibility of the water level of the Kushiyara River being stable for the next two days, it may surge on the third day.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Bhugai-Kangsha rivers may continue to increase over the next three days, while the Dhanu-Baulai rivers are expected to remain stable during this period.

Despite the rainfall, the centre said rivers in the region are likely to continue flowing below pre-monsoon danger levels, making the chances of flooding low for now.