Rising water levels and flash flood threats shutter Sylhet tourist sites
Photo Collected
Persistent rainfall and an influx of mountain runoff have caused water levels in Sylhet’s rivers to rise sharply, prompting local authorities to suspend boat operations at the popular Bholaganj Sada Pathar tourist site in Companyganj. The surging waters have already begun to impact local infrastructure, sweeping away furniture and goods from floating shops at the destination.
Companyganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Robin Mia confirmed the suspension on Sunday, stating that the decision was made to ensure public safety due to the intensity of the currents. Operations at the site are expected to remain halted until water levels recede and conditions stabilize.
বিজ্ঞাপন
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the Surma River at the Kanaighat point is nearing the danger mark. As of midday Sunday, the water level was recorded at 12.25 meters, just shy of the 12.75-meter danger threshold. While other points along the Surma, Kushiyara, Piyain, and Dhulai rivers currently remain below their respective danger levels, the consistent rise in water volume has put local officials on high alert.
Data from the regional meteorological office indicates that 39.6 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Sylhet in the 24-hour period ending Sunday morning. While BWDB executive engineer Deepak Ranjan Das noted that the current rainfall itself is not expected to trigger a prolonged flood, he warned that the region remains vulnerable to flash floods caused by mountain runoff.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The risk is compounded by weather patterns in the neighboring Indian state of Meghalaya. Forecasts suggest persistent rain in Meghalaya over the next three days, which could cause a rapid surge in water levels across Sylhet’s river network. While such flash floods are typically transient and unlikely to result in long-term inundation, authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels approach critical limits.
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