Heavy Rains and Flash Floods Threaten Low-Lying Areas of Sunamganj
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Persistent, torrential rainfall in Sunamganj has triggered widespread concern over potential flooding as water levels in the region’s rivers and haors continue to rise rapidly. According to data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the district recorded 265 millimeters of rain in the 24-hour period ending Thursday morning, marking the highest single-day rainfall of the current season.
The surge in precipitation has been compounded by significant runoff from the upstream Indian regions of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, which have also experienced heavy downpours. As a result, the water level of the Surma River in the Sunamganj municipal area rose by 51 centimeters within a single day. While the river was measured at 7.20 meters on Thursday morning—remaining 60 centimeters below the danger mark of 7.80 meters—officials warn that the ongoing deluge is putting immense pressure on regional water bodies.
Heightened water levels have been observed across several key waterways, including the Jadukata and Patlai rivers in Tahirpur, the Kushiyara in Jagannathpur, the Khasiamara in Doarabazar, and the Chalti River in the district headquarters. Residents in border-adjacent areas, including parts of Chhatak, Bishwamvarpur, and Doarabazar, have begun reporting localized flooding in low-lying pockets as the heavy rainfall continues to saturate the landscape.
While some local residents view the rising haor levels as a normal aspect of the monsoon season—essential for fish production and regional navigation—the intensity of the recent storms has prompted authorities to remain on high alert. Over the past two days, the district has seen a cumulative 365 millimeters of rainfall, significantly straining local infrastructure and causing hardship for communities.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued forecasts indicating that heavy rain will persist through Friday. Mohammad Emdadul Haque, an executive engineer at the Water Development Board, cautioned that the combination of continued local precipitation and upstream runoff is likely to drive water levels higher, creating a high probability of temporary flood conditions across the district.
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