Rising river waters raise capsize risks
Staff Reporter :
A passenger trawler carrying 39 people capsized in the Meghna River near Dubarchar, adjacent to Karim Bazar in Hatiya, on Saturday afternoon, killing one and leaving eight others missing.
Authorities fear that rising river water levels-triggered by seasonal surges-are contributing to an increase in such tragic incidents across Bangladesh’s waterways.
The incident occurred near Dubarchar, close to Karim Bazar in Hatia, when a passenger trawler carrying 39 people capsized in rough waters amid strong winds and surging waves.
The vessel had left Bhasan Char Ghat around 2pm for Alibazar Ghat but sank roughly eight kilometres into the journey.
One unidentified man has been confirmed dead, while 31 passengers have been rescued.
The missing include Saiful Islam, 28, a district council member posted at the Bhasan Char police station, according to Noakhali Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime Operations) Mohammad Ibrahim.
Water levels at 68 river stations across Bangladesh have increased, raising concerns of potential flooding in low-lying areas, according to the latest bulletin from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
Of the 116 monitored stations, 45 recorded falling water levels, while three remained unchanged.
Notably, three rivers have already exceeded the danger level. The Surma River at Kanaighat is flowing 79cm above the danger mark, the Kushiyara at Amalshid is 93cm above, and the Manu at Moulvibazar is 1cm over the threshold.
The bulletin warns that water levels in the Surma, Kushiyara, Manu, and Khowai rivers in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions may continue to rise over the next two days.
Additional rivers-including the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Dholai, and Someshwari-are also at risk of surpassing danger levels, increasing the likelihood of flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.
In the next 24 hours, the water levels of rivers such as the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri in Chittagong Division may rise, remain stable on the second day, and decrease on the following day.
During the next 24 hours, the Muhuri, Feni, and Halda rivers may flow near the warning level.
The water level of the Ganges River remains stable, while the water level of the Padma River is decreasing. The water levels of these rivers may continue to fall over the next three days and are expected to flow below the danger level.