Major rivers swell in Faridpur, Atrai River crosses danger mark in Naogaon, putting dams at risk

The water levels of rivers across Faridpur district have increased, causing suffering to residents along the Padma, Madhumati, and Arial Khan rivers across 13 unions in four upazilas following the inflow of water from upstream and continuous rainfall.

According to the Faridpur Water Development Board (WDB), the Padma rose by 0.9 metres in the past 24 hours till 7am yesterday and was flowing eight centimetres above the danger level. Besides, the River Arial Kha was flowing 109 centimetres above the danger mark while the Madhumati has also witnessed a rise.

Consequently, transportation and daily life were thrown out of gear, amid riverbank erosion.

Md Rakib Hossain, executive engineer of the district WDB, said the overflows have caused erosion in several areas, forcing them to place sand-filled geo-bags at critical points to prevent further erosion.

In Naogaon, as of 12pm today (15 August), the Atrai River was flowing 27 centimetres above the danger level at the Jotbazar point in Manda upazila, said the district WDB.

As a result, at least 30 points along embankments and flood control dams on both banks of the river have been identified as vulnerable.

Manda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Akhtar Jahan Sathi said the local administration convened an emergency meeting as part of advance preparedness. "The situation is being closely monitored".

All necessary precautionary measures have been taken in anticipation of potential flooding, said Md Faizur Rahman, executive engineer of WDB, Naogaon.

Meanwhile, in Chapainawabganj, the water level on the Padma River has started to fall, bringing some relief to flood-hit areas.

For days, floodwater from upstream had inundated low-lying areas of the sadar upazila and Shibganj upazila. However, many houses still remain waterlogged while roads are submerged.

Large areas of land with Aush, Aman, maize and various vegetables are still under water.

Heavy rain forecast for Sylhet, Ctg, 2 other divisions

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet in next 24 hours commencing 6pm today.

"Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh. Chattogram and Sylhet divisions," reads the BMD bulletin.

Monsoon is currently fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay, it says.