Heavy rainfall across Bangladesh and upstream areas of India has raised the risk of short-term flooding in several districts of Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions over the coming days, according to a bulletin from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) under the Bangladesh Water Development Board, issued Wednesday. Over the past 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been recorded across these four divisions as well as the upstream Indian states of Meghalaya, West Bengal, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Rivers Approaching Danger Levels
The Sangu River in Bandarban and the Matamuhuri River in Lama are already flowing above their danger levels due to mountain runoff and continuous rainfall.
“These rivers may flow around the warning level in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts, and adjacent low-lying areas may be temporarily inundated at some locations.” — FFWC bulletin
Districts Most at Risk in Bangladesh
Data behind the warning shows a clear regional spread of risk:
- Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh may see rivers exceed danger levels within 24–72 hours
- The Surma and Kushiyara rivers are expected to rise rapidly and may reach warning levels in Sylhet and Sunamganj
- The Teesta River in Rangpur division may cross danger level within 24–48 hours, threatening low-lying parts of Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat
- The Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers, currently stable, are likely to reach warning levels in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram within 72 hours
- The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges-Padma systems may rise but are expected to stay below danger levels
Weather Outlook to Watch for
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department, along with Indian and global weather agencies, forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing over the next three to four days across Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions and adjoining upstream areas. Chattogram city has already recorded over 330mm of rain in 24 hours, causing waterlogging, transport disruption, and flight diversions at Shah Amanat International Airport.
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Highlights
- The warning follows a monsoon low-pressure system that weakened after moving northwestward but continues to fuel heavy rain across the region
- This adds pressure to river systems already strained by recent landslides and flooding in Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram.
- District administrations, the Fire Service, and local authorities have been placed on alert as residents in vulnerable low-lying and hillside areas are urged to stay informed of official updates.
FAQs
What is the FFWC and what does it do?
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, operated under the Bangladesh Water Development Board, monitors river water levels nationwide and issues short-term flood forecasts, typically covering 24 to 72 hours, to help authorities and residents prepare for rising rivers.
Which rivers are currently the biggest concern?
The Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet and Sunamganj, the Teesta River in Rangpur division, and the Someshwari and Kangsha rivers in Mymensingh division are all expected to approach or exceed warning and danger levels over the coming days.
Are the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges-Padma rivers at risk of major flooding?
Not immediately. The FFWC says water levels in these major river systems may rise but are expected to remain below danger levels during this forecast period.
How long is the heavy rainfall expected to continue?
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing for three to four more days across Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions, driven by an active monsoon system and rainfall in upstream Indian states.
What should residents in low-lying or hillside areas do?
Residents are advised to stay alert to local administration updates, avoid unnecessary travel near swollen rivers, and be ready to move to safer ground if water levels continue rising toward danger thresholds.
Summary
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has flagged flood risk in Chattogram, Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions as heavy rainfall swells rivers including the Surma, Kushiyara, Teesta, and Someshwari over the next three days.
