Staff Reporter :
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Water Development Board has warned that flood situations may develop in 12 districts following days of heavy rainfall both inside the country and in upstream regions of India.
In a forecast issued on Thursday, the FFWC said that in the past 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rains were recorded in Sylhet and Rangpur divisions, while upstream states in India-Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya-also experienced intense rainfall.
According to the forecast, water levels of major rivers in Sylhet, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Barishal, and Khulna divisions are expected to rise over the next three days.
Similar trends are likely in upstream areas of India’s Himalayan foothills, including West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura. In Rangpur division, water levels of the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers may continue to rise over the next two days before stabilizing. The Teesta could flow near or above the danger level in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts, leading to temporary flooding in adjoining low-lying areas adjacent to the river.
In Chattogram division, the water levels of the Muhuri and Rahmatkhali Khal rivers have risen in the last 24 hours, while the water levels of the Gomti, Feni, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers have fallen; the Halda, Selonia, and Noakhali Khal rivers are steady and flowing below the danger level.
Over the next 3 days, the water levels of these rivers may rise; the Feni, Muhuri, Selonia, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Noakhali Khal, and Rahmatkhali Khal rivers may flow at the warning level.
During this time, The FFWC warned that temporary flooding may occur in low-lying areas of Feni, Chattogram, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur districts adjacent to the mentioned rivers.
Meanwhile, in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, rivers including the Surma, Kushiyara, Sarigowain, Lubachhara, Jadukata, Jhalukhali, Manu, Dhalai, and Khowai are also expected to see water levels rise in the next two days, with stabilisation on the third day.
The FFWC cautioned that water in these rivers could flow near or above danger levels, potentially flooding low-lying areas in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj districts.
Local authorities in the flood-prone districts have been advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible flooding, particularly in river-adjacent areas.
While the forecast suggests the situation may stabilise after three days, officials emphasised that sudden surges in rainfall-both locally and upstream-could intensify risks.
Bangladesh, one of the world’s most flood-prone countries, regularly faces seasonal river floods during the monsoon. Officials noted that with continuous heavy rainfall upstream in India, the coming days will be critical for managing river flows and protecting vulnerable communities.
