Surma-Kushiyara water crosses danger levels at three points in Sylhet

Due to the onrush of hill water from upstream and local rainfall, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers have crossed the danger mark at three points in Sylhet. However, the Water Development Board (WDB) has said there is no immediate threat of a major flood as no heavy rainfall has been forecast.

According to data until 6pm on Thursday (July 23), the water level at the Kanaighat point of the Surma River was flowing 1 cm above the danger level, while at the Fenchuganj point of the Kushiyara River it was 39 cm above the danger mark. The water at the Amalshid point of the Kushiyara River has also touched the danger level.

Meanwhile, water levels at the Sylhet point of the Surma River and the Sheola and Sherpur points of the Kushiyara River remain below danger levels. Water levels in the Sari, Goain, Piyain, Lova and Dhalai rivers have also risen somewhat, but they too remain below danger levels.

The WDB's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said the flood situation in the low-lying areas along the Surma-Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet and Sunamganj may improve over the next seven days. Although the Surma is currently rising, the Kushiyara is stable. After remaining stable for another day, water levels may recede over the following two days.

Sylhet WDB Executive Engineer Deepak Ranjan Das said water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara have risen as floodwater from India's Assam recedes. However, with no forecast of heavy rainfall in Sylhet, Assam or Meghalaya, there is no risk of a major flood in the region.

Meanwhile, the district administration is prepared to handle any eventuality. A total of 575 shelters have been kept ready across 13 upazilas of the district. Additionally, 10,319 packets of dry food, 1,250 packets of baby food, 175 metric tonnes of GR rice, 48 bundles of corrugated iron sheets and Tk 10 lakh in cash are in stock. So far, 410 packets of dry food and 150 packets of baby food have been distributed.

The health department has said 105 medical teams have been kept ready to provide immediate services if needed in affected areas.