Flood situation worsens in northeast, water levels at 9 rivers above danger mark

The flood situation in the country's north-eastern region has deteriorated further. Due to onrush of water from upstream and continuous rainfall, water levels in nine major rivers of the region are currently flowing above the danger mark. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board on Tuesday, May 5, water levels have exceeded pre-monsoon danger marks at at least 11 points across five districts of the north-eastern haor basin .

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre further reported that in Sylhet district, the Kushiyara River's water level has risen by 22 centimetres and is flowing 5 centimetres above the danger mark at the Fenchuganj point. The same river is flowing 8 centimetres above the danger mark at the Markuli point in Sunamganj. Meanwhile, the Naljuri River at Jagannathpur is flowing 46 centimetres above the danger mark. In Netrokona district, the Dhanu-Baulai River is flowing 14 centimetres above the danger mark at the Khaliajuri point, and the Magra River is flowing 87 centimetres above the danger mark at the Netrokona point. Although water levels in the Someshwari, Bhugai-Kangsa and Atpara points have decreased slightly, they are still flowing well above the danger mark.

Meanwhile, water levels of the Manu River in Moulvibazar have risen by a record 110 centimetres in the last 24 hours and have crossed the danger mark. According to reports, the Kalani River at Azmiriganj in Habiganj is flowing 23 centimetres above the danger mark, and the Sutang River at the Sutang Rail Bridge point is flowing 66 centimetres above the danger mark.

The Water Development Board also reported that the rate of water rise in the rivers of the Sunamganj haor area is currently very slow, increasing at a rate of zero to one centimetre per hour. Several upazilas in Sunamganj and Netrokona, which are home to vast haors and low-lying areas, are among the most at risk. The region is a key part of the Surma River basin, which is known for its pronounced wet season and is prone to flash floods .