Water levels drop significantly in Feni and Halda rivers, flood situation in Ctg likely to improve

The water levels of the Feni and Halda rivers, which have caused severe flooding in parts of Chattogram, have started to decrease, raising hopes of an improvement in the flood situation in the region.

In the last 24 hours till 3:00pm today (24 August), the Feni River, which has been responsible for significant flooding in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram and neighboring Feni district, has seen its water flow decrease by more than 1.5 meters, according to data released by the Water Development Board.

Although the river is still flowing above the danger level, the reduction in water flow marks a significant improvement.

According to the Water Development Board's Chattogram Divisional Office, the water flow at the Ramgarh point of the Feni River was recorded at 18.90 metres at 9am on Friday, which was 2 metres above the danger level of 16.90 metres.

By 3:00pm on the same day, the water level had dropped by 20 cm to 18.70 metres. On Saturday at 9am, the water flow had further decreased to 17.43 meters, still 53 cm above the danger level. By 3 pm today, the level had fallen to 17.28 metres, just 38 cm above the danger mark.

 Officials are optimistic that if this trend continues, the Feni River's water level may drop below the danger level by tonight.

Similarly, the Halda River, which has caused flooding in Fatikchhari, Rauzan, and Hathazari upazilas of Chattogram, has also seen a significant decrease in its water level.

According to Water Development Board data, on Friday at 9 am, the water flow at the Narayanhat point of the Halda River was recorded at 15.90 metres, which was 1.1 meters above the danger level of 14.8 metres. 

By 3 pm, the water level had decreased to 15 meters. On Saturday morning, the water flow had further dropped below the danger level to 14.28 metres, and by 3 pm, it had decreased further to 13.95 metres, 85 cm below the danger line.

Tanzir Ahmed, executive engineer at the Water Development Board Chattogram Office, sais as the water flow in all the rivers of the Chattogram region decreases, the floodwaters in these areas will start receding. 

He expressed optimism that the flood situation would improve once the water levels continue to fall.

However, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds in many places in the Khulna, Barisal, and Chattogram divisions over the next 24 hours. There is also a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in some parts of these regions. Experts warn that if heavy rain occurs in the Chattogram and Feni regions, river water levels could rise again.

Meanwhile, residents of Fatikchhari and Mirsarai upazilas have reported that floodwaters have begun to recede from several affected areas.