Heavy Rain Raises Fresh Flood Fears Nationwide

Days of relentless rainfall have worsened flood conditions across several parts of Bangladesh, with rivers rising above danger levels in some areas and fresh inundation reported elsewhere. Authorities have now warned that the situation could deteriorate further as widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours under the influence of an active monsoon.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, from 12:00 pm on Sunday, 12 July, heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. The forecast suggests that already flood-affected districts may experience additional flooding, prolonged waterlogging and increased disruption to daily life.

In a special weather advisory, the department said rainfall between 44 and 88 millimetres may occur in some locations, while isolated areas could receive more than 88 millimetres, qualifying as very heavy rainfall. Such intense precipitation also raises the risk of landslides in the country’s hilly regions. Urban centres are expected to face severe waterlogging, while low-lying communities may remain submerged for extended periods.

Continuous rain has already left roads underwater in Dhaka and many other cities and districts, disrupting transport and damaging local connectivity. In several places, communication links have been partially interrupted as floodwaters spread across roads and surrounding infrastructure. Some educational institutions have temporarily suspended classes because of unsafe conditions.

The prolonged wet weather has placed a particularly heavy burden on low-income communities. Daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers, small traders and informal workers have struggled to continue their livelihoods as persistent rain has limited outdoor activity and reduced earning opportunities.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre under the Bangladesh Water Development Board has cautioned that flood conditions could worsen in at least 12 districts if the ongoing spell of exceptionally heavy rainfall continues. The agency also warned that additional low-lying areas may be inundated over the coming days as rivers respond to increased upstream and local rainfall.

Its latest forecast indicates that water levels have already exceeded danger marks at several monitoring points. These include the Sangu River in Bandarban, the section of the Karnaphuli river system near Dohazari in Chattogram, the Kushiyara River at Markuli in Sunamganj, the Kushiyara at Fenchuganj in Sylhet, and the Someshwari River at Kalmakanda in Netrokona. If river levels continue to rise, surrounding floodplains and riverside settlements could experience further inundation.

The agency also forecasts that over the next two days, short-term flooding may develop or existing flood conditions may worsen in low-lying areas adjacent to rivers in Feni, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur and Kurigram.

Particular concern has been expressed for the Muhuri, Feni, Selonia and Halda rivers, where water levels in parts of Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari districts could rise above danger levels. If this occurs, riverside communities may face fresh flooding, while some low-lying areas of Lakshmipur and Noakhali could also be temporarily submerged.

The forecast, however, suggests that conditions may gradually improve in a few locations. Water levels along the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers in Bandarban, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, as well as the Manu and Khowai rivers in Moulvibazar and Habiganj, are expected to recede slowly over the next 24 hours, offering some relief to affected communities.

The latest rainfall, river flow and flood outlook, signed by Assistant Engineer Mostafa Kamal Jihan of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Sunday, urged residents living near rivers and in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, follow instructions issued by local authorities and take necessary precautionary measures. Officials warned that if the current spell of heavy monsoon rainfall persists, flooding and waterlogging could expand further across several regions, increasing the risk of damage to homes, agriculture, transport and public services.