The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Water Development Board has warned that flood conditions could emerge in at least 12 districts following a spell of heavy rainfall across parts of the country and in the upstream regions of India.

In its forecast issued Thursday, August 21, the FFWC reported heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours in Bangladesh’s Sylhet and Rangpur divisions, as well as in India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

Over the next three days, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across Sylhet, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Barishal and Khulna divisions. 

Heavy showers are also likely in upstream areas of India, including the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura.

According to the forecast, water levels of the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers in Rangpur Division may rise over the next two days before stabilising on the third. 

The Teesta is expected to flow near or above the danger level at Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat, causing temporary flooding in low-lying areas nearby.

In Chattogram Division, rivers and canals such as the Feni, Muhuri, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Selonia, Noakhali Khal and Rahmatkhali Khal are likely to swell over the next three days and may cross warning levels, potentially inundating low-lying areas in Feni, Chattogram, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali and Lakshmipur.

Meanwhile, water levels of the Surma, Kushiyara, Sarigowain, Lubachhara, Jadukata, Jhalukhali, Manu, Dhalai and Khowai rivers in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions may continue to rise over the next two days before stabilising. 

The forecast warns that rivers could flow at or near danger levels, temporarily flooding low-lying areas in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as river levels fluctuate with the continued rainfall.

SMS/