Flood risk eases in major river basins

The overall flood situation across the country is likely to remain under control over the next seven days, although heavy rainfall forecast later this week could trigger fresh flooding in parts of the northeast, northern and southeastern regions, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
In its latest seven-day qualitative flood outlook issued on Thursday, the FFWC of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said flood risk remains low in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges-Padma river basins, with water levels expected to remain largely stable.
However, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar and rivers in the southeastern hill region may rise during the latter half of the forecast period, from 26 to 30 July, due to moderate to heavy rainfall in upstream catchments.
In the Surma-Kushiyara basin, the flood situation in Sylhet and Sunamganj is expected to improve gradually over the next three days. Although the Kushiyara River is still flowing above the danger level at Fenchuganj and Markuli and several other stations remain close to the warning level, water levels are expected to stabilise before beginning to recede.
The FFWC said water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna basin remained generally stable over the past 24 hours and are likely to stay close to current levels over the next three days. Rivers may continue to flow near warning levels at some points in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj and Tangail, causing temporary inundation in adjoining low-lying areas. However, the overall flood risk in the basin remains low.
Water levels in the Ganges-Padma system are forecast to rise slightly over the next two days before stabilising, but they are expected to remain below danger levels throughout the forecast period. 
In northern Bangladesh, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are likely to rise again during the latter part of the week following moderate to heavy rainfall upstream. As several monitoring stations are already close to warning levels, authorities have been advised to keep the situation under close observation.
The forecast also warned of renewed rises in rivers across the Chattogram hill region. Water levels in the Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers may increase rapidly from 26 July as moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across the southeastern region and adjoining upstream areas.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), moderate to heavy rainfall is likely across much of the country until 30 July. Northern and northeastern regions may receive 100 to 300 millimetres of rainfall, while parts of the southeast could record 200 to 250 millimetres. Rainfall is expected to intensify during the latter half of the week, increasing the risk of localised flooding in vulnerable river basins.
The FFWC advised authorities and residents in flood-prone districts to remain vigilant, particularly those living in low-lying areas adjacent to major rivers, as heavy upstream rainfall could quickly change local flood conditions.