14 districts face flood risk as rivers rise

Flood risks are mounting in at least 14 districts as rivers continue to swell following heavy rainfall and upstream flows, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said.

The Kushiyara River is flowing above the danger level at Fenchuganj and Markuli, while the Surma at Chatak and the Someshwari at Kolmakanda have also crossed danger marks.

The FFWC forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 to 72 hours in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, as well as in the upstream Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal, increasing the likelihood of flooding.

Water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers have risen sharply, prompting authorities to open all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage at Dalia. Low-lying char areas in Lalmonirhat have already been inundated, damaging Aman seedbeds and other crops.

The FFWC warned of flash flood risks in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram, while low-lying areas of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Naogaon, Natore, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, Tangail, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram also remain at risk.

Meanwhile, river erosion damaged part of the Tangail-Bhuapur-Tarakandi regional highway, disrupting traffic, while in Sherpur, heavy rain and hill runoff left more than 200 families marooned and submerged croplands. Local authorities said assistance has been arranged for the affected families.

SKS