16 districts at risk of flash floods as major rivers continue rising

Rising water levels in major rivers and forecasts of heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in at least 16 districts, according to the latest bulletin from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).

The FFWC said water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers have increased significantly over the past 24 hours and are expected to continue rising for the next two days. These rivers may cross danger levels within 24 to 48 hours, potentially flooding low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram.

In the northeast, the Surma River continues to rise, while the Kushiyara River has shown a slight decline. However, both rivers are expected to rise again over the next three days and may exceed danger levels in parts of Sylhet and Sunamganj, worsening the existing flood situation.

Several other rivers, including the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Jinjiram, Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha, are also showing rising trends. The Bhugai, Kangsha and Someshwari rivers may overflow in Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona, while the Sarigowain and Jadukata rivers could affect low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj.

The meteorological department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions over the next 24 hours, along with upstream areas of India's Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal. The rainfall may further raise river levels.

Meanwhile, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges rivers are rising, while the Padma remains stable. These rivers may reach warning levels in parts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj and Tangail within the next 24 to 72 hours.

Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert and follow official flood advisories as weather conditions continue to deteriorate.