Teesta to cross danger level in 3 days, flood fears in 12 districts

While all major rivers across the country are currently flowing below danger levels, the Teesta and several other rivers in the northern, north-eastern and south-eastern regions could see a rapid rise in water levels within the next 24 to 72 hours. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has said this could cause the Teesta to exceed its danger level and lead to short-term floods in various areas of 12 districts.

According to a forecast issued on Tuesday, July 7, by Mostafa Kamal Jihan, Assistant Engineer of the FFWC under the Bangladesh Water Development Board, all 127 monitored river stations are currently below danger mark. However, heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Chattogram division, and parts of Sylhet and Barishal, as well as in India's Meghalaya and Tripura over the past 24 hours, is expected to raise water levels. The monsoon low over Odisha and adjoining Jharkhand has weakened into a well-marked low.

The FFWC warned that the Gomati, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers may rise rapidly, potentially exceeding danger levels in parts of Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari, causing short-term floods in low-lying areas. Lakshmipur and Noakhali's low-lying areas may also be temporarily flooded.

In the north-east, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh could see river levels exceed danger levels in some places, causing short-term flooding. In the Rangpur division, the Teesta, Dharla and Dhudhkumar rivers may rise rapidly. The Teesta is expected to cross its danger level within 24 to 48 hours, posing a flood risk in low-lying areas of Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat.

Meanwhile, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system may decline over the next three days before rising again, while the Ganges is expected to remain stable before rising. The Padma may continue to decline for the next five days. All major rivers are forecast to remain below danger levels during this period.