Heavy Rains Trigger Flash Flood Alerts Across Bangladesh as Rivers Swell
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Persistent heavy rainfall across Bangladesh for the third consecutive day has triggered widespread urban waterlogging and prompted authorities to issue alerts for flash floods in multiple regions. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned that heavy to very heavy precipitation is expected to continue across all eight divisions until at least Friday afternoon.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the surge in water levels poses an immediate threat of flash flooding in the Sylhet, Chattogram, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions. While officials anticipate these conditions will remain in effect for approximately 72 hours, the situation is expected to show signs of improvement starting Saturday. Currently, water levels in the Sangu River in Bandarban, the Matamuhuri in Cox’s Bazar, and the Khowai in Habiganj have already surpassed danger thresholds.
The extreme weather is attributed to the lingering influence of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal combined with active monsoon conditions. Meteorologist Md. Shahinul Islam noted that while the low-pressure system has dissipated, the atmospheric instability continues to drive rainfall levels well above the seasonal average. In the last 24 hours alone, several areas recorded rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, with Chattogram’s Ambagan station reporting a high of 277 millimeters. Other significant accumulations were recorded in Nikli, Bandarban, Mymensingh, and Moulvibazar.
The impact of the deluge has been severe, paralyzing daily life and disproportionately affecting low-income workers and small business owners who struggle to maintain operations amidst the constant downpour. Beyond the immediate flooding risk, the BMD has issued a stern warning regarding the potential for landslides in the hilly regions of the Chattogram division, urging residents in vulnerable areas to exercise extreme caution.
Rising water levels are not confined to domestic river systems. The FFWC reported that heavy rainfall in the upstream regions of India, including Meghalaya and Tripura, is contributing to the pressure on Bangladesh’s river network. Executive Engineer Sardar Uday Raihan indicated that while major rivers currently remain below danger levels, the Teesta is expected to breach its banks within the next 24 to 48 hours. The districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram have been identified as the most high-risk areas for short-term flooding.
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