Eight districts in Bangladesh, namely Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Khagrachari, and Chattogram, are presently experiencing flooding as a result of significant rainfall and upstream water overflow.

The recent torrential rains have exacerbated the situation, leading to rivers such as the Kushiyara, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Muhuri, Feni, and Halda exceeding their danger thresholds.

Meteorologists caution that the flood conditions may deteriorate further, potentially impacting additional districts and waterways.

In Habiganj, water levels have surged to unprecedented heights, surpassing records that have stood for 50 years, as reported by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

The Khowai River in Habiganj is currently flowing at 11 metres, significantly above its danger level of 9.05 metres. Additionally, the Muhuri River in Chattogram has also set a new record, exceeding a 40-year benchmark on the Indian side FFWC Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan indicated that water levels in certain rivers are anticipated to stay above hazardous thresholds for the forthcoming 24 hours, with a likelihood of improvement in three days. 

He linked the heavy rainfall to a monsoon depression that has resulted in abrupt flooding. Furthermore, he noted that the release of water from dams in India during this critical period has exacerbated the situation. 

Multiple Indian media sources have also reported that the opening of the Dumbur hydroelectric project dams has contributed to flooding in Bangladesh.

The situation has the potential to deteriorate further

The FFWC anticipates that the Gomti River in Cumilla may also exceed danger levels, which could lead to temporary flooding in low-lying regions.

Meteorological agencies have predicted moderate to heavy rainfall across southeastern and eastern Bangladesh, including nearby upstream areas.

This situation may result in elevated water levels in rivers such as the Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri, and Gomti.

According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) Meteorologist Md Bazlur Rashid, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in certain areas of Chattogram, Sylhet, Barishal, and Mymensingh divisions, with a reduction anticipated by Friday.

He indicated that river water levels are rising considerably due to increased rainfall in Tripura, India.

Rashid linked the intense rainfall to a well-defined low-pressure system situated over southern Bangladesh. This system has produced significant rainfall on its eastern side, impacting Sylhet and Chattogram, a rare occurrence exacerbated by the monsoon season.

The BMD has recommended that maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra raise lower cautionary signals in response to the adverse weather conditions.

Significant precipitation has been documented

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported that Feni experienced the highest rainfall in the nation today, measuring 312 mm. Other districts recorded significant rainfall as well, including Moulvibazar at 238 mm, Cumilla at 210 mm, Jafflong in Sylhet at 199 mm, Mymensingh at 152 mm, Noakhali at 144 mm, Cumilla at 81 mm, Ramgati at 71 mm, and Dhaka at 33 mm.

The BMD‘s forecast suggests that light to moderate rain or thundershowers, potentially accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, are expected across most regions of Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions in Bangladesh with certain areas likely to Flood experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall.

During a press briefing regarding the flood situation in Bangladesh, Additional Secretary KM Ali Reza stated that relief efforts are currently underway in the affected districts.

District administrations, in collaboration with the anti-discrimination student movement, the military, and various volunteers, are actively engaged in providing assistance to flood-affected regions, adhering to directives issued by the ministry.

Prolonged heavy rainfall since mid-July has resulted in significant waterlogging in the Greater Noakhali area, affecting approximately 2 million individuals. The inundation has led to the submersion of homes, thoroughfares, and commercial areas, with water levels in certain locations reaching up to the waist.

Residents contend that the primary cause of this waterlogging is the encroachment upon canals and wetlands. Growing concerns regarding the potential for further flooding have prompted the community to request military support to restore the canals and facilitate drainage.

Ismail, a boatman residing in Anderchar village within Sadar upazila, expressed his concerns, stating, “All the roads are submerged, and the water inside homes reaches knee height. My family is also trapped by the floodwaters at home. I am uncertain about our survival.”

Over 100 villages have been inundated in Feni

The severe flooding has impacted three upazilas in Feni—Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya—resulting in the submersion of over 100 villages and leaving more than 100,000 individuals stranded.

These upazilas, situated near the Indian border, are witnessing rising water levels in the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia rivers, which have exceeded danger thresholds, as indicated by Google’s flood alert system.

In Fulgazi upazila alone, more than 40 villages are currently flooded. Likewise, over 45 villages in Parshuram and several in Chhagalnaiya are also under water.

The floods have submerged roads, ponds, and agricultural fields, with water levels reaching the roofs and tin sheds of some homes. Residents have been compelled to seek shelter elsewhere.

Local authorities and volunteer organizations are actively providing relief assistance to the affected communities.

The recent flooding has caused significant damage to agricultural lands, particularly affecting Aman paddy seedbeds and vegetable plots, thereby hindering farmers from sowing their crops.

The extended period of waterlogging has had a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of the local population, prompting residents to call for urgent intervention.