Short-term flood predicted in 4 northern districts, river water levels rising

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center has warned of short-term floods in four northern districts of the country - Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Rangpur - due to heavy rainfall and upstream inundation. It has been warned that the water level of rivers in these districts may cross the danger level within the next 72 hours.

Nusrat Jahan Jerin, assistant engineer at the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of the Water Development Board, said on Saturday that the water level of Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers is rising rapidly due to continuous rainfall. In this situation, there is a possibility of short-term flood conditions lasting at least three days.

According to the center's bulletin, the water level of the main rivers of Rangpur division has increased in the last 24 hours till 9 am on Saturday and it may increase further in the next three days. This puts the low-lying areas of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Rangpur districts at risk of flooding.

Although the water level of all the major rivers in the country is currently flowing below the danger level, the weather situation is indicating a rapid change. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been recorded in Rangpur, Sylhet and Khulna divisions in the last 24 hours. At the same time, heavy rains have also occurred in Arunachal Pradesh in India, which may further increase the flow of water coming down from the upstream.

According to the forecast of meteorological agencies, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Rangpur, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions as well as West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya in India for the next five days. As a result, the water level of the rivers in the north and northeast may increase further.

The Flood Forecasting Center said that although the water level of the Brahmaputra-Yamuna basin is currently stable, it may increase in the next five days. However, this water is likely to remain below the danger level. On the other hand, the water level of the Ganga-Padma rivers may increase slightly in the next two days after remaining stable for the next three days.

The situation in the northeast is also being monitored. The water level of the Surma and Kushiyara rivers has increased in the last 24 hours and is likely to increase further in the next three days. This is likely to temporarily inundate some low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj districts.

In addition, the water level of the Someshwari, Jinjiram, Kangs and Bhugai rivers in Mymensingh division is likely to increase in the next few days. As a result, some low-lying areas of Netrokona, Mymensingh and Sherpur districts may also face temporary waterlogging or flooding, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center has warned.