Flood risk in Sylhet region remains low

Despite recent heavy downpours, the likelihood of flooding in the Sylhet region remains low, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.

In its latest flood summary bulletin issued yesterday, the FFWC said water levels in all major rivers across Sylhet remain well below danger levels.

Based on rainfall projections from both domestic and regional meteorological agencies, the FFWC anticipate light to moderate rainfall in the Sylhet region over the next three days, and river water levels will remain stable over the next 24 hours

Water levels are expected to begin receding thereafter, it added.

According to the latest data, water levels of the Surma river rose by 22 cm at Kanaighat and 14 cm at the Sylhet point over the past 24 hours until yesterday morning. At at Sunamganj and Chhatak points, water levels fell by 14 cm and 5 cm, respectively.

Surma is currently flowing 2 to 3 metres below the danger level, it said.

The Kushiyara river saw a rise of 69cm at Amalshid and 56cm at Sheola points, though it remains around 4 metres below the danger level.

The bulletin also said the water level is decreasing in Manu, Khowai, Dhalai, Jadukata, Baulai, and Someshwari rivers. All these rivers are flowing below the danger level.

Shah Md Shajib Hossain, the meteorologist of Sylhet Met Office, said light to moderate rainfall is forecast in the next couple of days.

Heavy rainfall may hit the Sylhet region after that, he added.