The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that flood conditions may develop in five northern districts over the next 72 hours as rising river levels threaten low-lying areas across several river basins.
In its latest flood bulletin issued on Sunday, the agency said Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Kurigram and Gaibandha are at risk of flooding due to rising water levels in the Teesta and Dudhkumar river systems.
The warning also extends to low-lying areas in Sylhet and Sunamganj along the Surma-Kushiyara basin, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram in the Dharla basin, and Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona in the Someshwari-Bhugai-Kangsha basin, where temporary inundation is possible as rivers approach warning or danger levels.
According to the FFWC, the Kushiyara River at the Fenchuganj station in Sylhet is currently the only monitored river flowing above its danger level. Although most major rivers across the country remain below danger levels, water levels are expected to rise further over the next three days.
The agency attributed the increased flood risk to anticipated rainfall over Bangladesh's northern and northeastern regions, coupled with heavy precipitation forecast in the upstream catchment areas across the border in India. The combined effect is expected to accelerate river flows in the affected basins.
The FFWC said flood conditions could emerge in parts of the Teesta and Dudhkumar basins within the next 72 hours, particularly affecting low-lying floodplains and char areas that are highly vulnerable to rapid rises in water levels.
The agency also warned that water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara, Dharla, and Someshwari-Bhugai-Kangsha river systems may reach warning or danger levels, resulting in temporary flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.
Hydrologists say river levels in northern Bangladesh often respond quickly to intense rainfall in upstream catchments during the monsoon season, leaving little time for communities in flood-prone areas to prepare.
"The next 72 hours will be crucial, as upstream rainfall could significantly increase river flows and heighten flood risks in vulnerable low-lying areas," said Dr Md Bazlur Rashid, a climatologist.
Local administrations in the vulnerable districts have been advised to remain alert and closely monitor river conditions. Authorities are also expected to keep emergency response teams, shelters and relief supplies ready should floodwaters begin to inundate settlements.
Bangladesh experiences seasonal flooding every monsoon as major transboundary rivers carry runoff from the Himalayan foothills and northeastern India. While such floods help replenish agricultural lands, sudden rises in water levels frequently damage crops, roads and rural infrastructure, particularly in northern and northeastern districts.
The FFWC said it will continue monitoring river conditions and issue updated forecasts as the hydrological situation evolves.
