Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) in Bangladesh has announced a significant alert regarding potential flash floods impacting at least 10 districts, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, over the next 24 to 48 hours. This warning comes in response to considerable rainfall across Bangladesh and parts of India, causing rivers to swell rapidly.
Intense precipitation within Bangladesh coupled with upstream rainfall from the Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal has led to a marked rise in water levels of several key rivers. Authorities are actively observing the situation as further rainfall is anticipated, potentially aggravating flooding in the most susceptible areas.
Water Levels Surpass Safety Measures
Current reports indicate that two major rivers have already exceeded their safe water levels at three different monitoring points.
In Sylhet, the Kushiyara River is currently recorded as:
- 18 centimetres above the warning mark at Chhatak
- 33 centimetres above the warning mark at Fenchuganj
Additionally, in Netrokona, the Someshwari River has surpassed its danger threshold by 19 centimetres at Kalmakanda, leading to flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.
Flood Risk Escalates for Sylhet and Sunamganj
The FFWC has projected that water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are set to rise further over the next three days, heightening the flood threat in both Sylhet and Sunamganj.
Other rivers such as Sarigowain and Jadukata are also experiencing elevated levels, increasing the risk of temporary flooding in surrounding regions.
Read More: Severe Flash Flood in Northern Vietnam: 4 Dead, 4 Missing
Officials cautioned that rivers including Bhugai, Kangsha, and Someshwari are likely to swell further in the next 48 hours, exacerbating flooding situations in Sherpur, Mymensingh, and Netrokona.
Flash Floods Particularly Threatening in Northern Bangladesh
In the northern and northwestern parts of the country, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are climbing swiftly.
The Teesta River has already hit its alarm level at:
- Dalia
- Kaunia
- Tarapur
- Haripur
Expectations from the FFWC suggest these rivers might exceed safe levels within a 24 to 48-hour timeframe, presenting a considerable risk of flash floods in areas like:
- Lalmonirhat
- Nilphamari
- Rangpur
- Gaibandha
- Kurigram
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official updates regarding the flood situation.
Brahmaputra-Jamuna System Also on the Rise
According to the FFWC, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system has been steadily rising for the last five days.
The river has already hit its warning level at Chilmari station in Kurigram.
Forecasts suggest that within the next 24 to 72 hours, water levels might approach warning thresholds at multiple monitoring stations, increasing the potential for flooding in vulnerable low-lying locations including:
- Kurigram
- Gaibandha
- Jamalpur
- Bogura
- Sirajganj
- Tangail
Authorities are attentively monitoring the river's status as ongoing rainfall upstream may further accelerate water level rises.
Rajshahi Division Also Under Surveillance
In Rajshahi Division, both the Atrai and Chhoto Jamuna rivers are anticipated to overflow into low-lying regions.
The FFWC indicates that temporary flooding may arise within the next three days, especially affecting the districts of Naogaon and Natore.
FFWC Calls for Public Vigilance
Executive Engineer Sardar Udoy Raihan of FFWC cautioned that continued heavy rainfall within Bangladesh and upstream regions in India will likely increase the chance of flash floods in vulnerable areas across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Mymensingh divisions over the next day.
He mentioned that conditions in certain parts of Sylhet may worsen in the coming two days, though there are currently no indications of a severe, extended flooding event. Nevertheless, local authorities are consistently monitoring the situation and have urged residents near rivers to remain watchful and heed official advisories.
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