Bangladesh may experience heavy to very heavy rain today and tomorrow, raising flood concerns in several parts of the country.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, the heaviest rain is expected in northeastern Bangladesh, where Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrakona, and Sherpur may see 200-250mm of rainfall.
Moreover, northern districts, including Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram, are likely to record 100-150mm of rainfall, while southeastern districts -- Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali -- may experience 50-100mm of rainfall.
In Sirajganj, the Jamuna has been rising rapidly over the past four days and may reach the danger level within the next few days, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, reports our Pabna correspondent.
However, officials of Water Development Board (WDB) said the river remains below the danger mark and is not expected to cross it within the next week. They added that the district administration is fully prepared to respond if the situation worsens.
According to WDB data, the Jamuna was flowing 122cm below the danger level at the Kazipur point yesterday morning, while at the Sirajganj Hard Point, it was flowing 88cm below the danger mark. Over the past four days, the river has risen by 87cm at the Kazipur point and 80cm at the Sirajganj Hard Point.
Nazmul Hossain, sub-divisional engineer of Sirajganj WDB, said the river began rising sharply on July 13 due to heavy upstream rain and increased flow from the Teesta and Brahmaputra basins.
“Excessive upstream rain and heavy mountain runoff are the primary reasons behind the rising water level of the Jamuna,” he said, adding that although the forecast does not indicate an immediate flood threat, the river could rise to the danger level if the current trend continues.
Residents of char areas say the situation is already worsening. Vast stretches of cropland have gone under water, and over 100 villages across five upazilas are facing a flood threat.
“As the Jamuna swells, people living along the riverbanks are becoming increasingly worried. Large areas of cropland in the char have already been submerged,” said Abdul Mazid, former chairman of Mesra union in Sirajganj Sadar upazila.
He said floodwaters have yet to enter homes, but warned that continued rises in the river could soon inundate residential areas.
A similar situation is in Kawakola union of Sirajganj Sadar upazila, where low-lying char villages and croplands have already been flooded. In Chauhali upazila, many residents have lost homesteads and farmland even before major flooding begins.
“More than a hundred people have lost their homesteads in the past month. Now most low-lying areas and chars are under water,” said Abdul Jalil, a primary schoolteacher from Baghutia in Chauhali.
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Baset said no flooding has yet occurred in Sirajganj, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation. “The district administration is fully prepared to tackle any potential flood situation.”
