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Water levels in major rivers in Sylhet continue to rise following several days of heavy rainfall and onrush of water from the upstream.
Although none of the rivers have yet crossed the danger level, Water Development Board (WDB) officials warned that the situation may worsen if the rain and flow of upstream water persist, reports UNB.
According to the Sylhet Meteorological Office, the region recorded 193.8 millimetres of rainfall between 6am Tuesday and 6am Wednesday.
Besides, 28 millimetres of rainfall was recorded between 6am and 12 pm on Wednesday.
Dipak Ranjan Das, executive engineer of WDB in Sylhet, said that water levels in Sylhet’s rivers have been rising continuously for the past few days.
“The primary reason is the hill runoff from India. If rainfall decreases there the situation will start to normalise. Persistent heavy rainfall in Sylhet is also contributing to the rise in water levels in the rivers,” he said.
Low-lying areas in several upazilas — Gowainghat, Companiganj, Kanaighat, and Jaintiapur — have already been inundated due to the swelling rivers.
Popular tourist spot Zero Point in Gowainghat’s Jaflong area is now submerged.
Water level at the tourist site Sadapathar in Companiganj have also risen significantly.
Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumar Adhikari said that no villages in his upazila have yet been inundated. “However, the rivers are rising and water has started to enter the haor areas. The local administration is fully prepared in case of early flooding,” he added.
Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad said, “No flood situation has developed in Sylhet as of now. None of the rivers have crossed the danger mark. However, the local administration has prepared up to the union level. If the situation deteriorates, volunteers, government officials, and other relevant personnel are ready to respond.”