Sudden flood hits Feni’s Parshuram as water level rises 3.2 metres in three hours

A sudden flood has occurred in the Parshuram area of Feni after the water level of Muhuri River rose by 3.2 metres within just three hours, from 6am to 9am today (21 July), reportedly due to upstream flow.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said the low-lying areas of Feni district may experience temporary inundation as water levels of Muhuri and Silonia rivers continue to rise.

"In Parshuram, Feni, the water level increased by 3.21 metres in three hours this morning, which is unusual. This has submerged the surrounding areas and may continue to rise for the next six hours. However, most of this water is from upstream," said Sarder Udoy Raihan, executive engineer at the centre.

He added that 41.8mm of rainfall was recorded in Belonia, India, adjacent to Parshuram, and 60.5mm in Feni in the past 24 hours (until 9am), but this level of rainfall alone cannot explain the rapid rise in water.

"One of the main sources is upstream water coming from India. We have no official information on whether Indian dams have been opened, nor have we been informed. But with the rainfall we have seen, such a rise is unlikely without external influence," he said.

According to the centre's forecast, the water level in Parshuram rose by 321cm between 6am and 9am and was recorded at 10.83 metres at 9am—172cm below the danger level. However, the level may reach the warning threshold within the next six hours.

Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Polash, a PhD researcher on meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, described the situation as alarming and suggested that it could be linked to the release of water from Indian dams.

"This is dangerous for Feni. The sudden rise in water level is likely due to the opening of Indian dams," he told TBS.

He added that a low-pressure system may form over the sea between 25 and 28 July, potentially triggering heavy to very heavy rainfall in Feni, India's Belonia area, and surrounding regions. As a result, India may release more water by opening its dams.

"There has not been significant rainfall in Feni or Belonia over the past three days, so internal water accumulation cannot explain the surge," he said.

Earlier on 8 July, the water level of the Muhuri, Kahua and Silonia rivers in Fulgazi and Parashuram upazilas of Feni suddenly increased due to the continuous rain and the influx of upstream water due to the low pressure created in the Bay of Bengal. 

The embankments of these rivers were breached at various places, and at least 25 villages were reportedly flooded.