Heavy rainfall pushes seven rivers above danger level in country's northeast part

Seven rivers in the country's northeastern part are flowing above the danger level following moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, raising fresh flood concerns in the haor basin areas.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) bulletin issued on Monday (May 4), water levels in major rivers across Netrokona, Sunamganj and Habiganj districts have risen rapidly due to upstream flow and local rainfall.

Officials said at least eight monitoring points are currently recording river levels above the danger mark.

In the past 24 hours, the highest rainfall was recorded at Jarijhanzail in Netrokona and Habiganj Sadar with 74mm, while Chandpur’s Bagan area recorded 61mm of rainfall.

In Sunamganj’s Jagannathpur, water in the Naljuri River has risen by 11cm and is now flowing 40cm above the danger level. However, the rate of rise has slowed to 0–1cm per hour, offering some relief.

The most critical situation has been reported in Netrokona and Habiganj districts.

In Netrokona, the Mogra River at Jarijhanzail is flowing 79cm above the danger level. The Someshwari River at Kalmakanda and the Kangs River at Jarijhanzail are also above danger levels by 50cm and 67cm respectively. The Dhanu-Baulai River is flowing 8cm above the danger mark.

In Habiganj, the Sutan River at Sutan railway bridge is flowing 83cm above the danger level, raising concerns of possible flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, moderate rainfall continues in upstream Indian states Meghalaya and Assam. The FFWC reported 14mm rainfall in Cherrapunji over the past 24 hours.

Authorities warned that continued rainfall in upstream regions could further increase water levels in the haor basin rivers.

Local administrations have intensified monitoring, while residents in low-lying and riverbank areas have been advised to remain alert.