The water level of major rivers including Surma, Kushiara, Jadukata, Piyain has increased in Sunamganj from the onrush of upstream water and torrential rains for the last few days.
Low-lying areas in different parts of Sadar upazila, Bishwambarpur, Tahirpur, Jamalganj, Dharmapasha and Doarabazar upazilas of the district may be flooded for a short time if the upstream flow and rainfall continue, according to Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
But till now no river water has crossed the danger mark.
Compared to last time, the onset of monsoon has been delayed by one month this year.The people of Sunamganj have endured intense heat for a long time. The haors of the Sunamganj dried up as there was extreme heat.
According to the BWDB, moderate and heavy rains have started in Sunamganj since June 10.
Some 720mm of rain was recorded in Cherrapunji and 500mm in Sunamganj in the last one week.
Due to the upstream surge and heavy rainfall, the water level of the Surma river has risen four meters at Sholghar point in Sunamganj.
The haor areas are now full due to torrential water. But now the water has not entered the locality.
Apart from the water from Cherrapunji, the water flowing through the border rivers is coming down to the Surma river and haors.
BWDB said that Surma water may cross the danger level within the next two or three days and may flood the lower areas.
People in the river banks and low-lying areas are now passing days in anxiety.
Executive Engineer Mamun Howladar of the district BWDB said that if the rainfall continues the lower areas of the district may be flooded for a short period of time.
Serul Mia of Ibrahimpur village of Surma union of sadar upazila said that there was no water flow in the Surma river even a few days ago. Within three and four days, the water flow has increased in the hills. The rivers of the district have been swollen.
Siraj Mia of Alirabazar village said that the water has come down in the river. Working people are suffering a lot. They are out of work due to continuous rain.
Ali Raj of Chalban village of Salukabad union of Bishwambarpur upazila said that people are in panic due to rain and flood water. The water level rose in the last 72 hours.
However, the rain has decreased since Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Didar Alam Mohammad Maqsud Chowdhury all the preparatory measures have been taken by the administration. Necessary instructions have been given to the upazila administrations.
Last year, the residents of Sylhet experienced a devastating flood as 70% of the district went under floodwater while 10,000 dwelling houses were damaged, causing immense sufferings to thousands of people.