India continues real-time flood data sharing with Bangladesh

India is continuing to provide Bangladesh with real-time flood-related hydrological data under an established bilateral cooperation framework.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) in Bangladesh has warned that low-lying areas in Sylhet, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions may experience short-term flooding within the next 24 to 72 hours due to persistent monsoon rainfall and rising river flows.

Officials and sources concerned have said that as rising water levels across major rivers raise concerns of short-term flooding in northern regions of Bangladesh.

Amid the evolving situation, sources said the ongoing data-sharing mechanism with India is playing a crucial role in improving the accuracy of flood forecasts and strengthening early warning systems in Bangladesh.

Under the Joint Rivers Commission framework, India regularly shares hydrological data from key transboundary rivers including the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Teesta. The information covers river water levels, flow rates, rainfall data and short-term forecasts from upstream monitoring stations, which Bangladesh uses for flood assessment and disaster preparedness.

Officials noted that both countries extended the annual data-sharing period in 2022, expanding it from May 1–October 15 to May 1–October 31, in order to better capture late-season flooding and flash flood risks linked to changing monsoon patterns.

To further improve coordination speed, authorities from India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and Bangladesh Water Development Board introduced faster communication channels in 2023, including real-time messaging platforms alongside formal exchanges, significantly reducing delays in critical information flow.

According to sources, weather and flood forecasts from upstream Indian states such as West Bengal and Assam also serve as important situational inputs for Bangladesh’s flood monitoring and preparedness efforts, helping authorities take timely mitigation measures in vulnerable areas.