Bangladesh's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), has warned that five northern districts could experience short-term flooding within the next 24 to 48 hours as river water levels are expected to rise.
According to the FFWC, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions, as well as upstream areas in the Indian states of West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Assam. The expected rainfall could cause water levels in major rivers to rise rapidly.
The agency said the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers in Rangpur Division may exceed the danger level at several locations, increasing the risk of temporary flooding in the low-lying areas of Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Gaibandha districts.
The FFWC attributed the expected rise in river levels to increased upstream flows combined with continuous rainfall in the region.
The BWDB has urged residents living along riverbanks to remain alert and prepare to move to safer locations if necessary. Local administrations have also kept flood shelters, dry food, and emergency relief supplies ready in case the flooding situation worsens.
According to the latest data from the BWDB control room, water levels in all rivers in Kurigram District remained below the danger level at the time of reporting. However, the Dharla River recorded rising water levels over the past 24 hours at the Taluk Shimulbari and Bridge monitoring stations.
Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of the BWDB in Kurigram, confirmed the flood forecast, saying that authorities are closely monitoring the situation while repair work continues at vulnerable sections of flood control embankments.
Photo: Tahiyat Nazifa Noor/UNB.
