Bangladesh is bracing for a worsening flood emergency as relentless monsoon rains continue to pound the country, swelling rivers across multiple regions, inundating low-lying areas, disrupting transport and prompting warnings of landslides and flash floods in several districts.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across all eight divisions over the next 48 hours, while the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) says river levels are likely to rise rapidly over the next three days, raising the risk of flash floods in the southeast and northeastern regions.
The immediate concern is centred on Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar, where the flood situation is expected to deteriorate within the next 24 to 72 hours.
Authorities have also warned that rivers in Feni, Khagrachari and Chittagong may cross danger levels, inundating adjacent low-lying areas.
The Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers in Bandarban are already flowing above the danger mark at Lama, while river levels have continued rising across much of the country.
Of the FFWC’s 127 river monitoring stations, water levels increased at 69 during the past 24 hours.
The threat is also expanding into the northeast.
Rivers including the Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Kangs, Sarigowain, Someshwari, Jadukata and Bhugai are expected to rise sharply, potentially causing short-term flooding in parts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh.
In the north, the Teesta River may also exceed the danger level, threatening low-lying areas of Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat.
The deteriorating weather has already disrupted key transport links.
Train services on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway have been suspended after floodwater submerged part of the track near Sunnia Madrasa in Chittagong.
The Tourist Express from Dhaka became stranded on Tuesday, and railway authorities said services would remain suspended until water recedes and weather conditions improve.
State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, after visiting the affected section, said the government plans to raise the railway embankment by up to five feet to reduce future disruptions.
Passengers unable to travel because of the suspension will receive refunds, he said.
The Meteorological Department reported exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Bandarban recording 314mm, the highest in the country, followed by Rangamati with 287mm and Chittagong with 284mm.
Significant rainfall was also recorded in Kishoreganj (263mm), Mymensingh (151mm), Dinajpur (107mm) and Srimangal (91mm).
Meteorologists say the active monsoon system is likely to persist until July 11, with rainfall expected to ease gradually from July 12.
Rough sea conditions have prompted the BMD to maintain local cautionary signal No 3 for the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas, advising fishing boats and trawlers to remain cautious.
The situation has been compounded by heavy rainfall in upstream Indian states, including Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and West Bengal, accelerating water flows into Bangladesh’s transboundary rivers.
Rainfall exceeding 100mm was recorded in several upstream catchments over the past day.
Disaster management authorities have intensified preparedness measures in the hill districts amid growing landslide risks.
District administrations in Bandarban and Khagrachari have opened emergency shelters, stocked dry food and begun evacuating residents from vulnerable hillsides.
Local officials said loudspeaker announcements are being used to persuade residents to move to safer locations, although many remain reluctant to leave their homes.
In Rangunia of Chittagong, authorities said evacuations are continuing as heavy rain persists.
According to the FFWC, the current flooding is expected to remain largely short-term if rainfall begins to subside after the next three to four days.
However, with more heavy rain forecast both inside Bangladesh and across upstream catchments, officials warn that conditions could deteriorate further before rivers begin to recede.
For now, the combination of swollen rivers, saturated hillsides and uninterrupted rainfall has placed large parts of the country on high alert, with authorities urging residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation instructions where necessary.
