Water levels in five rivers of the country are now flowing above the danger mark.
However, the flood situation improved slightly on Friday compared to Thursday. While water levels in six rivers were above the danger marks a day earlier, the number dropped to five on Friday.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the flood situation over the next few days will primarily depend on the amount of rainfall both within the country and upstream.
Meanwhile, due to inclement weather conditions, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal Number 3 (three). The Meteorological Department said heavy rainfall may continue in various parts of the country today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday).
Sardar Udai Raihan, Executive Engineer of the FFWC, said the situation has improved slightly compared to Thursday. However, the future flood situation will depend on the amount of rainfall in the northeastern and southeastern regions, as well as upstream.
According to the data from the FFWC, water levels at nine monitoring stations across five rivers are currently flowing above the danger marks. In Bandarban, the Sangu River is flowing 95 centimeters above the danger level at the Bandarban point and 23 centimeters above at the Dohazari point.
The water of the Matamuhuri River is flowing 47 centimeters above the danger level at Lama point and 32 centimeters above at Chiringa point in Cox's Bazar. Besides, the Kushiyara River's water is flowing 18 centimeters above the danger level at Markuli point in Sunamganj and 10 centimeters above at Fenchuganj point in Sylhet. The Monu River is flowing 35 centimeters above the danger level at the Monu Railway Bridge point and 80 centimeters above at Moulvibazar point, while the Khowai River's water is flowing 60 centimeters above the danger level at Balla point in Habiganj.
On the other hand, the water levels are near the warning levels at Dalia, Kaunia, and Tarapur stations of the Teesta River; Sherpur station of the Kushiyara River; Kanaighat, Chatak, and Sunamganj stations of the Surma River; Kalmakanda station of the Someshwari River; and Companiganj station of the Chhoto Feni River.
According to the FFWC, water levels have risen at 79 river monitoring stations, decreased at 43, and remained unchanged at 5 out of the 127 stations across the country.
In the last 24 hours, 109 millimeters of rain was recorded in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India. The country's highest rainfall was recorded in Chattogram at 203 millimeters. Center officials say that the trend of rainfall both upstream and within the country will play a crucial role in determining the river water behavior and potential flood situation over the next few days.
Meteorologist Kazi Jebunnesa said it has been raining across the country for about five days. While the rainfall was initially triggered by a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon has now become active, causing continuous rain in almost all areas of the country.
Continuous rain has heavily impacted the capital city, Dhaka. Since Friday morning, waterlogging has occurred in various areas, including Motijheel, Nayapaltan, Mirpur, and Karwan Bazar. Water accumulated on the streets, causing traffic to move slowly and creating long tailbacks in some places. Working professionals, students, and ordinary commuters faced severe difficulties reaching their destinations. In many areas, rickshaw and CNG-run autorickshaw drivers demanded exorbitant fares. Many pedestrians were seen wading through knee-deep water to commute.
Due to continuous rainfall in various areas of the country outside the capital, flash floods have occurred in some places, while landslides have taken place in others. To prevent the situation from worsening, concerned officials have advised residents of the affected areas to regularly monitor weather and flood forecasts.
END/CORRESPONDENTS/ASA
