Water levels rising in Sylhet rivers

Water levels in the rivers of the Sylhet region are continuing to rise, with levels at all monitoring points on the Surma and Kushiyara rivers approaching danger marks. Rainfall has also increased over the past two days.

According to the Sylhet Meteorological Office, the region received 111.6 millimetres of rainfall during the last 36 hours. Of that amount, 58.2 millimetres fell within a 12-hour period from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The continued rainfall has heightened concerns about possible flooding.

According to the latest report from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, issued up to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, water levels in the Surma, Kushiyara, Manu, Khowai and Juri rivers have risen close to danger levels. Although all rivers remain below the danger mark at present, ongoing rainfall could worsen the situation.

The report also warned that water levels in the Dhanu-Baulai and Bhugai-Kangsha river systems may continue to rise, potentially creating the need for increased vigilance in parts of the Netrokona and Kishoreganj districts.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast increased rainfall over the next 120 hours, through Sunday. In its synoptic outlook, the department said that the southwest monsoon has advanced into the Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and is expected to spread across the entire country within the next three to four days.

The forecast indicates that until Sunday, many areas of the Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, some parts of Rangpur, Dhaka, Barishal and Chattogram divisions, and isolated areas of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning.

In addition, moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in some parts of the country. Daytime and nighttime temperatures may also rise slightly nationwide.