Flash floods loom in five Northern dists: FFWC

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) warned on Monday that five northern districts face flash flood risks within the next 24 to 48 hours, as heavy to very heavy rainfall continues over the region and upstream India.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board's flood centre said in its evening bulletin that Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram could see flash or short-term flooding as the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers keep rising over the next two days before stabilising.

Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, as well as India's Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal, the FFWC added. Meghalaya's Williamnagar recorded 371 millimetres of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest among monitored stations.

Water at four river stations were flowing above the danger mark on Monday morning. The Surma crossed its mark at Chhatak in Sunamganj by 16 centimetres, while the Kushiyara breached the danger level at both Fenchuganj in Sylhet and Markuli in Sunamganj. The Someshwari also crossed the danger level at Kolmakanda in Netrokona.

Sylhet and Sunamganj face fresh short-term flooding risks as the Surma-Kushiyara and Sarigoyain-Jadukata basins swell further. Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona districts could also see flooding from the Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha rivers, the bulletin said.

The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges, which are expected to keep rising for the next five days, may approach warning levels within 72 hours in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj and Tangail, inundating low-lying riverside areas. The Atrai and Chotto Jamuna rivers could similarly affect Naogaon and Natore.

The FFWC said nearly 12 districts nationwide face flooding risks over the next three days if heavy rain and onrush of water from India continue. It urged residents in low-lying, riverside areas to move to safety and local administrations to remain prepared for relief and rescue operations.