Five Districts Likely to Experience Short-Term Flooding This Week

Bangladesh's flood forecasting authorities have warned that five districts in the Chattogram division could experience short-term flooding this week as heavy rainfall, both within the country and in upstream areas of India, is expected to push up river water levels.

In its bulletin issued on Sunday, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said water levels in the Gomati, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers across the eastern and south-eastern parts of Chattogram division have risen over the past 24 hours and are likely to increase rapidly over the next 72 hours.

The agency said the rivers may cross the danger level at several points in Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari districts within the next three days, raising the risk of short-term flooding in nearby low-lying areas.

It also warned that low-lying areas along rivers in Lakshmipur and Noakhali districts could face temporary inundation during the same period.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and global weather agencies, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, as well as adjoining upstream areas in India's Tripura state, over the next five days.

The FFWC also reported that water levels in the Manu, Dhalai and Khowai rivers increased during the past 24 hours, while the Sarigowain, Someshwari and Kangsha rivers recorded declining levels. Water levels in the Jadukata and Bhugai rivers remained unchanged.

Despite the recent variations, the agency said the water levels of these rivers are expected to rise rapidly over the next 72 hours.

Meanwhile, the Teesta River's water level remained stable over the past 24 hours, while the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers continued to recede.

According to the bulletin, water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are expected to keep falling over the next two days before stabilising on the third day.