Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over the next seven days, raising the risk of short-term flooding in several southeastern districts, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
Rivers in the eastern and southeastern regions may rise rapidly over the next five days due to persistent rainfall, said FFWC Executive Engineer Sardar Uday Raihan on Sunday night.
River water levels may exceed danger levels at some points in Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari, triggering short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. Parts of Laxmipur and Noakhali may also experience temporary inundation.
The FFWC forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Sylhet, Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, as well as adjoining areas of Meghalaya, Assam, the Barak Basin, Tripura and Myanmar, until July 12. Rainfall of more than 100-150mm is expected, while isolated areas could receive as much as 350-500mm.
Water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Sillonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have risen over the past 24 hours and may increase further by July 10, heightening flood risks in the southeastern districts.
In the northeast, water levels in the Manu, Dhalai and Khowai rivers have increased, while those in the Surma-Kushiyara, Sarigoain, Jadukata, Someswari and Bhugai-Kangsha rivers have declined.
Heavy rainfall may cause water levels to rise again, with some rivers likely to reach warning levels between July 8 and 10.
Temporary flooding is also possible in low-lying riverside areas of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh.
The Teesta River remained stable, while water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers continued to fall and remain below danger levels.
The FFWC said the rivers may recede further over the next two days before rising again between July 8 and 10.
