Heavy rainfall and rising water levels in major rivers could trigger flooding in at least 16 districts over the next few days, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
The FFWC said water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers had risen significantly over the past 24 hours and were expected to continue increasing for the next two days.
The rivers may cross the danger level within 24 to 48 hours, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram.
In the northeast, the Surma River continued to rise, while the Kushiyara River receded slightly.
However, both rivers are expected to rise again over the next three days and may exceed the danger level in parts of Sylhet and Sunamganj, potentially worsening the existing flood situation.
Several other northeastern rivers, including the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Jinjiram, Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha, are also rising.
The FFWC said the Bhugai, Kangsha and Someshwari rivers could cross the danger level in Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona, while the Sarigowain and Jadukata may overflow in Sylhet and Sunamganj, triggering flash floods in adjacent low-lying areas.
Meteorological agencies have forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, as well as adjoining upstream areas of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal in India.
The forecast rainfall is expected to further aggravate river conditions.
The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges rivers have continued to rise, while the Padma has remained stable.
The FFWC said the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Ganges and Padma river systems were expected to rise over the next five days and could reach the warning level within 24 to 72 hours in parts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj and Tangail, increasing the risk of flooding in nearby low-lying areas.
Water levels have also increased in several rivers across the Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, including the Upper Karatoya, Upper Atrai, Tangon, Punarbhaba, Mahananda, Jamuneshwari, Atrai and Ghaghat, and are likely to continue rising.
The Atrai and Chhoto Jamuna rivers may reach the warning level in Naogaon and Natore, heightening the flood risk in those areas.
In Chattogram Division, the Sangu River has risen, while the Halda River has receded and the Matamuhuri River has remained stable.
Water levels in these rivers are expected to increase over the next day before rising more rapidly during the following two days.
The FFWC urged residents in vulnerable low-lying areas to remain alert and follow official flood advisories as heavy rainfall continues across the country.
