Heavy rain raises flood fears for five districts

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned of possible short-term flooding in at least five districts as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next several days, pushing river water levels higher across eastern and southeastern part of the country.

In a special flood bulletin issued on Sunday night (July 5) by the FFWC and signed by Executive Engineer Sardar Uday Raihan, the FFWC said rivers in Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari could rise above danger levels within the next five days, posing a flood risk to adjacent low-lying areas.

The agency also warned that parts of Lakshmipur and Noakhali may experience temporary inundation and waterlogging due to persistent rainfall.

According to the forecast, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, along with upstream areas in Meghalaya, Assam, the Barak basin, Tripura and Myanmar, are likely to receive 100-150mm or more of rainfall through July 12. Under the influence of an active monsoon low over the northwestern Bay of Bengal, rainfall may intensify further, with isolated areas expected to receive 350-500mm.

Water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Sillonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have already increased and are likely to rise further by July 10, raising the possibility of localized flooding in vulnerable areas.

The FFWC also warned that renewed rainfall could rapidly increase water levels in several northeastern rivers, including the Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Surma-Kushiyara, Jadukata and Someshwari, potentially causing temporary flooding in low-lying areas of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh between July 8 and July 10.

Meanwhile, river conditions in northern Bangladesh remain stable, with the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers flowing below danger levels. However, the FFWC expects water levels in these rivers to rise again later this week due to continued upstream rainfall.

The flood forecasting agency has urged residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain alert and closely follow official weather and flood advisories as the active monsoon continues to affect the country.