Major rivers breach danger levels as heavy rain triggers flood alerts 5 dists

Heavy downpours across the country have pushed four major rivers past their danger marks, submerging low-lying regions in Netrokona and Moulvibazar, while authorities warn of an expanding flood risk for three more districts.

Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board has forecast possible flooding in Sunamganj, Habiganj, and Sylhet districts within the next 72 hours.

The rivers currently flowing above the danger level are the Bhogai-Kangsha, Someshwari, and Mogra rivers in Netrokona, and the Manu River in Moulvibazar.

The Bhogai-Kangsha river is flowing 82 cm above the danger level at the Jariajanjail point, while the Someshwari river is 50 cm above at the Kalmakanda point. The Mogra river is 2 cm above the danger mark at Netrokona point at 9:00am today. The Manu River at Moulvibazar point is flowing 72 cm above the danger level.

Beyond these four rivers, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers have also risen sharply, increasing by 1 to 1.5 metres.

Partho Protim Barua, sub-divisional engineer at the FFWC, said, “With excessive rainfall, these rivers have swelled and inundated adjacent low-lying areas. Flooding is ongoing in Netrokona and Moulvibazar, and the situation is likely to worsen soon in Sunamganj, Sylhet, and Habiganj districts.”

Meanwhile, overcast conditions and rainfall have continued across the country, with much of the sky remaining cloudy. In the 24 hours leading up to this morning, the highest rainfall of 160 millimetres was recorded in Nikli (Kishoreganj district), according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

In addition, nine districts experienced very heavy rainfall.

Bhola recorded 151 mm of rain, followed by Feni with 148 mm, Mymensingh 115 mm, Khepupara 114 mm, Cumilla and Sitakunda 103 mm each, Chattogram 92 mm, Patuakhali 91 mm, and Netrokona 89 mm.

BMD said that heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in some places across the country until May 1. Heavy rainfall is defined as 44�"88 millimetres in 24 hours, while very heavy rainfall refers to more than 88 millimetres in 24 hours.

Meteorologists said deep convective cloud formations are developing over the northern region, which is triggering the ongoing rainfall activity. Due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain, there is a risk of landslides in some hilly areas of the Chattogram division.

According to the synoptic situation, an extension of the monsoon trough is currently stretching from West Bengal to the North Bay of Bengal.

During the pre-monsoon season, such low-pressure systems, often forming near the Himalayan region, draw moisture-laden air from the sea towards the north. This humid air mixes with cooler northern air, resulting in rainfall.

Due to the influence of the low-pressure system, there is a significant variation in air pressure over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.

To avoid maritime accidents, the BMD has advised the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to maintain local warning signal no 3.

Fishing boats and trawlers have also been instructed to remain close to the coast and exercise caution until further notice.

In addition, there is a risk of temporary gusty or squally winds passing over several regions, including Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet.

Winds coming from the west and northwest may reach speeds of 45�"60 kilometres per hour. To avoid accidents, river ports in these areas have been advised to hoist local warning signal no 1.