TDS Desk:

Bangladesh’s flood forecasting authorities have warned of short-term flooding in five districts of Chattogram division this week as river water levels are expected to rise following heavy downpour at home and upstream in India.

Over the past 24 hours, the water levels of the Gomati, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Chattogram division have increased, and may rise rapidly over the next 72 hours, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said in its Sunday bulletin.

Within the next three days, these rivers may flow above the danger level at some points in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari districts, potentially causing short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas, it said.

In addition, low-lying areas along rivers in Lakshmipur and Noakhali districts may be temporarily inundated, read the bulletin.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and global weather agencies, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and the adjoining upstream areas of India’s Tripura state during the next five days.

In its bulletin, the FFWC said that over the past 24 hours, the water levels of the Manu, Dhalai, and Khowai rivers have increased, while those of the Sarigowain, Someshwari, and Kangsha rivers have decreased. The water levels of the Jadukata and Bhugai rivers have remained stable.

The water levels of these rivers may rise rapidly over the next 72 hours, it said.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Teesta River has remained stable over the past 24 hours, while the water levels of the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers have decreased.

These rivers are expected to continue falling over the next two days before remaining stable on the third day, the bulletin added.