The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) on Saturday warned that low-lying areas in five northern districts could experience short-term flooding over the next 24 to 48 hours as water levels in several major rivers are expected to rise above the danger level.
According to the FFWC, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely during the period across Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions, as well as adjoining upstream areas of West Bengal, Meghalaya and Assam in India, triggering further rises in river water levels.
The forecast said the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers in Rangpur division may cross the danger level at some points, raising the risk of short-term flooding in low-lying areas of Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha districts.
The warning, issued on Saturday afternoon, attributed the expected rise in river levels to increased upstream flows and rainfall.
The BWDB advised people living along riverbanks to remain alert and prepare to move to safe shelters if flooding occurs. District administrations have kept shelters, dry food and other emergency supplies ready to respond to any flood situation.
According to the BWDB control room, water levels in all rivers in Kurigram remained below the danger level on Saturday. However, over the previous 24 hours, the Dharla River recorded rising water levels at the Taluk Shimulbari and Bridge monitoring stations.
Rakibul Hasan, executive engineer of the BWDB in Kurigram, confirmed the forecast.
"There is a forecast of short-term flooding in the district's low-lying areas. We are monitoring the situation. Repair work is ongoing at vulnerable sections of the flood control embankments," he said.