Short-term flash floods are expected in Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions within the next 24 to 72 hours due to heavy rainfall and onrush of water from upstream hilly regions.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) reports that water levels are rising in several rivers rapidly and could cross danger marks. However, situation is expected to improve by Saturday (July 11).
Due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, continuous rain has been occurring across various parts of the country for nearly three days. In some places, rainfall exceeded 200mm within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, a record 394mm of rainfall was registered in Chittagong on Tuesday.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast, heavy rain may occur in different parts of the country on Wednesday (July 8), and the situation could continue until Saturday.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), due to heavy rainfall and upstream water from India, water levels in several rivers to rise rapidly across four divisions, with the flood situation expected to worsen over the next 24 to 72 hours.
Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari districts are at a risk of short-term flooding, while the low-lying areas of Lakshmipur and Noakhali districts may face temporary inundation.
In Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, major rivers, including the Surma and Kushiyara, are highly likely to flow above their danger levels within the next 24 to 72 hours, posing serious risks of flood in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, and Mymensingh districts.
In Rangpur and Mymensingh division, water levels of northern rivers like the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Brahmaputra-Jamuna may rise rapidly.
In Rangpur division, the Teesta River is projected to flow above its danger mark within the next 24 to 48 hours. Water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are also approaching critical alert levels, risking Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram districts of flash flooding.
In Sylhet and Chattogram divisions, rivers in the northeast, east, and southeast—including the Surma, Kushiyara, Bhogai-Kangsha, Feni, Halda, and Sangu—may approach or cross danger levels.
In hilly areas, heavy downpours trigger a high risk of landslides and flash floods in the hilly terrains of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.
According to the FFWC, these flash floods are expected to be short-lived, lasting approximately 3 to 4 days before conditions begin to improve.
Local administrations, fire services, and disaster management committees are on high alert due to the risk of landslides and sudden inundation.
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