Continuous heavy rainfall and upstream inflows have caused river water levels to rise across the northern and northeastern regions of Bangladesh. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers may exceed the danger level at certain locations. As a result, there is a risk of flash or short-term flooding in low-lying riverbank areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Kurigram districts.

The Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), disclosed this information in its latest flood situation and forecast report published on Sunday (19 July).

According to the forecast, the Kushiyara River is currently flowing above the danger level at the Fenchuganj station in Sylhet and the Markuli station in Sunamganj.

The report also states that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next two days in Bangladesh’s Rangpur and Sylhet divisions, as well as in the Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. Due to this rainfall, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are likely to continue rising over the next three days. Within the next 48 hours, these rivers may cross the danger level at several points, increasing the risk of short-term flooding in low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj districts or causing the existing flood situation to remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, the Brahmaputra River has remained stable, while the Jamuna River has experienced a rise in water level. This upward trend is expected to continue over the next five days. Between 20 and 24 July, water levels in the Brahmaputra–Jamuna river system may reach the warning level at certain locations in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Tangail districts, raising the possibility of localized inundation in adjacent low-lying areas.

According to the report, water levels in the Sarigowain, Jadukata, and Kangs rivers in the northeastern region have remained stable, while the Someshwari and Bhugai rivers have recorded rising water levels. These rivers are expected to continue rising over the next three days. Within the next 24 to 72 hours, the Someshwari River in Netrokona district may exceed the danger level at certain locations, posing a risk of short-term flooding in nearby low-lying areas. In addition, water levels in several northern rivers—including the Upper Karatoa, Upper Atrai, Tangon, Punarbhaba, Mahananda, and Jamuneshwari—have also increased. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre expects these rivers to continue rising over the next three days.

SM/CitizenTimes