Flash flood threat in Sylhet

Continuous rainfall and forecasts of more heavy downpours have raised the threat of fresh flash floods in Sylhet, with the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre warning that the water levels of the Surma, Kushiyara and other rivers may rise rapidly over the next three days.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that the water levels of several rivers, including the Surma and Kushiyara, may rise rapidly.

Rain continued across Sylhet until Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Sylhet Meteorological Office, a total of 128.6 mm of rainfall was recorded during the 30-hour period from 6:00 am on Tuesday to 12:00 pm on Wednesday. Of this, 52.6 mm fell between 6:00 am Tuesday and 6:00 am Wednesday, 32 mm between 6:00 am and 9:00 am Wednesday, and another 44 mm between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.

The FFWC said that heavy to very heavy rainfall in the northeastern region over the next 24 to 72 hours could cause river water levels to rise rapidly in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts. As a result, short-term flooding may occur in low-lying areas of Sylhet Division.

Sardar Uday Raihan, Executive Engineer at the FFWC, said the flash flood situation could persist for up to three days before gradually improving from Saturday.

According to the FFWC, although the country’s major rivers are currently flowing below the danger level, Sylhet Division has received heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours.

At the same time, upstream areas in the Indian states of Meghalaya and Tripura have also experienced heavy rainfall. Similar weather is forecast there over the next four days, which could further increase the flow of rivers in northeastern Bangladesh, including the Surma and Kushiyara.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s 120-hour forecast said that, under the influence of a low-pressure area and active monsoon conditions over Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas of India, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely across most parts of Sylhet Division through Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected in several places, accompanied by gusty winds and lightning.

Meteorologist Shah Md. Sajib Hossain of the Sylhet Meteorological Office said that while rainfall is normal during the monsoon season, people should remain cautious during thunderstorms.

Meteorologist Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallick said the rainy spell in the northeastern region is expected to continue for several more days due to the low-pressure system and active monsoon.

He warned that prolonged heavy rainfall could trigger waterlogging, landslides on hill slopes, and localized flash floods in low-lying and hilly areas of Sylhet. He also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas.