Heavy Rain Raises Fresh Flood Fears Across Six Divisions

Persistent heavy rainfall over the past several days has triggered flooding in different parts of Bangladesh, with meteorological and flood forecasting authorities warning that the situation could deteriorate further over the next 24 to 48 hours. Six divisions—including Dhaka—are expected to experience more heavy to very heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods, waterlogging and rising river levels in several districts.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, active monsoon conditions are likely to bring heavy rainfall ranging from 44 to 88 millimetres within 24 hours, while some locations could receive more than 88 millimetres during the same period. The warning, effective from 12:00 pm on Sunday, 12 July, covers Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

The prolonged downpours have already disrupted daily life across much of the country. Roads in the capital and numerous other districts have been submerged, severely affecting transport services and slowing traffic movement. Educational institutions in several flood-hit areas have suspended classes as water continues to inundate school premises and surrounding roads.

The impact has been particularly severe for low-income communities. Many day labourers and informal workers have been unable to leave their homes in search of work because of flooded streets and continuous rain, leaving families without daily earnings. Local residents in affected regions are also facing difficulties accessing essential services as waterlogging persists.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board has cautioned that flooding could worsen in at least 12 districts if the current pattern of rainfall continues. New areas may also become inundated as rivers continue to swell.

According to the latest flood bulletin, water levels have already crossed the official danger mark at several monitoring stations. These include the Sangu River at Bandarban and Dohazari in Chattogram, the Kushiyara River at Markuli in Sunamganj and Fenchuganj in Sylhet, and the Someshwari River at Kalmakanda in Netrokona.

The forecasting centre warned that over the next two days, low-lying riverbank areas in Feni, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur and Kurigram could experience new or worsening short-term flooding as river levels continue to rise.

Officials also noted that several rivers in south-eastern Bangladesh could temporarily exceed danger levels. Water levels in the Muhuri, Feni, Selonia and Halda rivers may rise high enough to trigger short-term flooding in parts of Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari. Low-lying areas of Lakshmipur and Noakhali may also experience temporary inundation if rainfall remains intense.

There was, however, some encouraging news for a few regions. The FFWC forecast suggests that flood conditions may gradually improve over the next 24 hours in low-lying areas along the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers in Bandarban, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, as well as along the Manu and Khowai rivers in Moulvibazar and Habiganj.

The latest assessment, signed by Assistant Engineer Mostafa Kamal Jihan of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Sunday, highlighted that rainfall associated with the active monsoon remains the principal driver behind the rising river levels. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable riverbank and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, monitor official forecasts closely and take necessary precautions as weather conditions continue to evolve.