Heavy Rain Raises Flash Flood Fears Across Four Divisions

Persistent heavy to very heavy rainfall has heightened the risk of short-term flooding across four divisions of Bangladesh, with authorities warning that several rivers could rise rapidly over the next 24 to 72 hours, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting normal life.

According to the latest forecast issued by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Wednesday, prolonged rainfall is expected to affect the country’s eastern, north-eastern and northern regions over the next three days. The combination of intense rainfall, runoff from surrounding hills and increased upstream water flow is likely to cause significant rises in river levels, creating localised flood conditions in several districts.

Chattogram Division Faces Growing Flood Threat

The forecast indicates that water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers are expected to increase rapidly during the coming three days.

As a result, the existing flood situation in Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar could worsen. Water levels in rivers flowing through Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari districts may exceed official danger levels, raising concerns over flash flooding in riverside communities.

Authorities have also warned that parts of Lakshmipur and Noakhali, particularly low-lying areas adjacent to rivers, could experience temporary inundation. Such flooding may disrupt transport, damage local infrastructure and affect thousands of residents living in vulnerable areas.

The hilly terrain of south-eastern Bangladesh often accelerates the movement of rainwater into surrounding rivers during periods of intense monsoon rainfall, increasing the likelihood of sudden flooding.

Rivers Rising Rapidly in Sylhet and Mymensingh

The FFWC reported that river levels in the Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Kangsha, Sarigowain, Someshwari, Jadukata and Bhogai rivers have already risen over the past 24 hours. The upward trend is expected to continue throughout the next three days.

Consequently, several rivers flowing through Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh districts may cross their danger marks.

Residents living in low-lying floodplains are being advised to remain vigilant, as temporary flooding could damage agricultural land, affect fisheries and interrupt rural transport networks. Seasonal flooding in these districts often has a direct impact on farming communities, particularly during the monsoon when standing crops and village roads become highly vulnerable.

Teesta Water Level Increasing in the North

Northern Bangladesh is also witnessing rising river levels. Water in the Teesta River has increased during the past day, while the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers remain relatively stable for now. However, forecasters believe both rivers could also rise rapidly over the next three days if heavy rainfall continues.

The Teesta is expected to exceed its danger level within the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially causing short-term flooding in low-lying riverside areas of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur districts.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are forecast to approach warning levels in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts, increasing the possibility of temporary inundation in nearby communities.

Authorities Urge Vigilance

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said future conditions will largely depend on rainfall intensity and changing weather patterns over the coming days. It has urged district administrations, local authorities and residents in vulnerable riverside areas to closely monitor updated forecasts and official advisories.

People living in low-lying settlements, farmers, fish growers and those involved in river transport have been advised to remain cautious and prepare for possible evacuation should local authorities issue safety instructions.

Officials also cautioned that continued heavy rainfall could expand the extent of waterlogging and flash flooding in several districts, even if the flooding remains relatively short-lived. Communities in flood-prone regions have therefore been encouraged to take precautionary measures early, safeguard essential belongings and remain alert to changing river conditions throughout the ongoing spell of monsoon rainfall.