Muyabia Labony – A persistent depression in the Bay of Bengal has triggered relentless downpours across Bangladesh, prompting authorities to issue a short-term flash flood warning for four major divisions.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) announced that water levels in several key rivers are expected to rise rapidly over the next three days, threatening to inundate low-lying areas before conditions begin to stabilize.
The deluge, which has battered the country for nearly three days, recorded extreme localized rainfall, with parts of Chittagong witnessing a staggering 394 mm of rain within a 24-hour window.
Weather officials indicate that heavy to very heavy rainfall is projected to persist until Saturday, keeping the northeastern, eastern, southeastern, and northern regions on high alert.
Key Rivers Approaching Danger Marks
While major river systems currently remain below their respective danger levels, the incoming runoff from upstream Indian regions like Meghalaya and Tripura—coupled with local precipitation—is rapidly altering the situation.
According to the FFWC, the Teesta River is highly likely to cross its danger mark within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Water levels are also surging swiftly in other critical rivers, including the Surma, Kushiyara, Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Dudhkumar, and Dharla.
The government agency has identified several districts at immediate risk of short-term flooding:
-
Sylhet Division: Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.
-
Mymensingh Division: Netrokona, Sherpur, and Mymensingh.
-
Chittagong Division: Chittagong, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban.
-
Rangpur Division: Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram.
Duration and Outlook
Despite the looming threat, meteorologists and hydrologists emphasize that the impending flood situation is expected to be brief.
“The flash flood situation that is developing may last for about three days,” stated Sardar Udoy Raihan, Executive Engineer of the FFWC. “Following that, we anticipate the flood situation will start improving from Saturday.”
With heavy rainfall forecasts extending over the next four days for both Bangladesh and adjacent upstream Indian catchments, local administrations in the vulnerable districts are advised to monitor river banks closely.
Emergency services and local communities are staying vigilant as the country navigates this intense monsoon spell.