Flash flood warning prompts rapid paddy harvesting in Sunamganj haors

Farmers in the haor region of Sunamganj District, Bangladesh have intensified the harvesting of Boro paddy amid warnings of possible flash flooding triggered by forecast heavy rainfall in the coming days. The urgency has increased as authorities caution that rising river levels could submerge low-lying agricultural land.

Although light to moderate rainfall was forecast over the past two days, the district remained largely dry, allowing uninterrupted harvesting activity. On Saturday morning, clear skies and sunshine were reported across the region, enabling farmers to continue field operations.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board has warned that significant rainfall is expected from 28 April, which may lead to a rise in river levels and potential flooding in haor areas. According to Executive Engineer Md. Mamun Hossain, rainfall in upstream regions could cause rivers to swell and, in some areas, exceed danger levels.

Status of Boro cultivation in haor areas

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension report that nearly half of the Boro paddy in the haor region is still unripe. A delayed ripening cycle, attributed to lower rainfall earlier in the season, has contributed to the current situation. In addition, waterlogging in several areas is limiting the use of combine harvesters, while labour shortages continue to affect harvesting progress.

Agricultural authorities estimate that around 100,000 hectares of paddy may reach maturity within the next two days, further increasing pressure on harvesting capacity.

Farmers have expressed concern over the uncertain conditions. Ali Akbar (52), a farmer from Bawun Haor in Sunamganj Sadar, stated that paddy in low-lying areas has already been damaged due to waterlogging, while harvesting continues on higher ground where crops are partially mature.

Another farmer, Nur Hossain (38), said, “It has not rained for two days, which is good for us. But now there are warnings of floods. It feels like difficulties never leave us.”

Authorities have urged farmers not to delay harvesting in anticipation of machinery availability. Deputy Director Mohammad Omar Faruq of the Department of Agricultural Extension advised that paddy should be harvested once it reaches around 80 per cent maturity. He stressed that waiting for combine harvesters is no longer advisable under current weather risks, and recommended the use of manual labour where necessary.

He further cautioned against storing harvested paddy in open fields due to the risk of sudden flooding, advising immediate drying and safe storage.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board has issued an urgent notice forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall between 27 and 30 April. It stated that rivers including the Surma, Kushiyara, Dhanu, Baulai, and Kangsa may experience rising water levels, with a risk of exceeding danger marks from 28 April due to upstream rainfall, particularly in the Cherrapunji region.