Surma, Kushiyara cross danger level in Sylhet

The water levels of the Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet continue to rise due to incessant rainfall and runoff from upstream hills, with the rivers already flowing above the danger level at three monitoring stations.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the water levels are likely to continue rising over the next three days, increasing the risk of waterlogging and short-term flooding in low-lying areas.

FFWC data showed that, as of 9:00 am on Monday, the water level of the Kushiyara River at the Fenchuganj station was flowing 27 centimetres above the danger level-the highest among all stations in the country currently exceeding the danger mark.

At the Markuli station on the same river, the water level was 7 centimetres above the danger level.

Meanwhile, the Surma River was flowing 15 centimetres above the danger level at the Chhatak station.

Water levels at the Kanaighat, Sylhet and Sunamganj stations on the Surma were at the warning level, meaning they were very close to crossing the danger mark.

If rainfall continues upstream, these stations may also exceed the danger level within a short period.

According to the FFWC, river levels are currently flowing above the danger level at four monitoring stations across the country.

Three of those stations are on the Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet Division, while the fourth is on the Someshwari River at Kalmakanda in Netrokona.

Heavy rainfall has also been recorded across Sylhet Division over the past 24 hours. FFWC data show that 157 mm of rainfall was recorded at Laurergarh in Sunamganj, 125 mm at Chhatak, 95 mm at Maheshkhola and 75 mm in Sunamganj Sadar.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall has also been recorded in the Indian state of Meghalaya, the source of the Surma and Kushiyara rivers. During the past 24 hours, 115 mm of rainfall was recorded at Mawkyrwat, 111 mm at Mawsynram, 108 mm at R.K.M. Sohra, 80 mm at Shella, 80 mm at Williamnagar and 79 mm at Cherrapunji.

As the Surma and Kushiyara receive water from these upstream hilly areas, continued rainfall in Meghalaya could cause river levels to rise further over the coming days.

The FFWC warned that riverbank areas and low-lying parts of Sylhet and Sunamganj may experience waterlogging and short-term flooding if the current rainfall pattern persists.

As of 9:00 am on Monday, water levels had increased at 80 of the country’s 127 monitoring stations, decreased at 44 stations and remained unchanged at two stations.

The FFWC said it is monitoring the river situation in the country’s northeastern region round the clock and that water levels may fluctuate further depending on rainfall and upstream inflows.