NN Online:
Feni is at risk of renewed flooding as heavy rainfall is expected over the next several days due to a low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board.
The centre warned on Thursday that heavy to very heavy rains are likely both in Bangladesh and in upstream regions of India’s Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya, which could cause water levels in several rivers to rise significantly.
“Over the next six days, rainfall is expected to intensify in the upstream and coastal areas bordering Chattogram Division,” said Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan. “This could push river water levels in Feni and other districts close to or above the warning threshold, especially in low-lying areas.”
He noted that once the rainfall subsides, the situation may gradually improve.
By meteorological standards, rainfall between 44mm and 88mm in 24 hours is classified as ‘heavy’, while anything above 88mm is termed ‘very heavy’. During the second week of July, five upazilas in Feni were already hit by floods, while severe waterlogging disrupted life in six upazilas of Noakhali.
The Flood Forecasting Centre’s latest bulletin states that while all major rivers are currently flowing below danger levels, several rivers in southeastern Bangladesh—including the Feni, Muhuri, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Rahmatkhali Canal, and Noakhali Canal—are witnessing rising water levels.
In contrast, the Gomti and Silonia rivers are currently showing a downward trend, though their levels may also begin rising again within the next three days.
The centre warned that the Muhuri and Silonia rivers in Feni may cross the danger mark, potentially causing fresh flooding in surrounding areas. Likewise, the water levels of rivers and canals in Chattogram, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali may approach the warning threshold.
In Sylhet Division, while the Manu and Khowai rivers are currently stable, the Khowai may rise within the next 24 hours and flow close to danger level. Water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are receding but may rise again after remaining stable over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the water levels in the Ganga and Padma rivers are gradually increasing and are expected to continue rising for the next four days. However, they are expected to remain below the danger level.
Normal tidal activity is ongoing in the coastal rivers of Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram Divisions, but the forecasting centre has cautioned that higher-than-usual tides may occur over the next three days under the influence of the low-pressure system and active monsoon conditions.
