Heavy Rain Raises Flood Risk Across Four Divisions

Heavy rainfall forecast over the coming days could trigger short-term flooding across four divisions of Bangladesh, with several rivers expected to rise rapidly and overflow in low-lying areas, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

In a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 8 July, the FFWC warned that parts of Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall during the next three days. The anticipated downpours may cause water levels in several major rivers to increase sharply, raising the likelihood of temporary flooding in vulnerable districts situated along riverbanks.

The forecast comes during Bangladesh’s monsoon season, when prolonged rainfall frequently leads to swollen rivers, flash floods and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying and hilly regions. Authorities typically monitor river levels closely during this period to minimise risks to communities, agriculture and transport infrastructure.

Chattogram Division Faces Heightened Flood Threat

The FFWC said rivers across the eastern and south-eastern parts of Chattogram Division, including the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri, are expected to witness rapid rises in water levels over the next three days.

As a result, flood conditions in Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar districts could deteriorate within the next 24 to 72 hours. In Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari, water levels in several rivers may exceed the official danger level at certain locations, potentially causing short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

The warning also noted that riverbank communities in Lakshmipur and Noakhali could experience temporary inundation if water levels continue to rise.

Sylhet and Mymensingh Rivers Rising

According to the centre, water levels in several rivers across the north-eastern region have already increased during the past 24 hours. These include the Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Kangsha, Sarigowain, Someshwari, Jadukata and Bhogai rivers.

With further heavy rainfall forecast, these rivers are expected to rise rapidly over the next three days.

The FFWC warned that within the next 24 to 72 hours, river levels could cross the danger mark at several points in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh districts. If that occurs, nearby low-lying areas may experience temporary flooding, disrupting local transport, agricultural activities and daily life.

The north-eastern region is particularly susceptible to flash floods during intense monsoon rainfall because of runoff from upstream catchments, making continuous monitoring essential.

Rangpur Region Also at Risk

In northern Bangladesh, water levels in the Teesta River have already risen over the past day. Although the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers remained relatively stable during the same period, forecasters expect their water levels to increase rapidly over the next three days.

The FFWC said the Teesta could exceed the danger level within the next 24 to 48 hours, creating a risk of short-term flooding in low-lying areas of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur districts.

The bulletin also indicated that within the next 72 hours, water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers may reach the warning level in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram, increasing the possibility of temporary inundation in nearby riverine communities.

Officials have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow updates from local authorities as weather conditions develop. Continued heavy rainfall over both upstream and local catchment areas could significantly influence river behaviour, meaning the flood situation may change quickly over the coming days.