Major rivers retreat in northeast, flooding to ease further over 3 days

The flooding situation in the low-lying parts of Haor wetlands in Netrokona, Habiganj, and Sunamganj has begun to improve as water levels in major rivers started to retreat following a let-up in heavy rainfall.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the trend of receding water levels is expected to continue over the next three days, providing much-needed relief to the submerged regions.

FFWC Executive Engineer Manzur Rahman told bdnews24.com on Sunday afternoon that the overall situation is better compared with the previous day.

"Major rivers in the northeastern Haor basin, including the Surma-Kushiyara, Dhanu-Baulai, and Bhugai-Kangsha, have seen a decrease in water levels over the last 24 hours," he said.

As of 9am on Sunday, despite overall improvement in the flooding situation, five rivers were still flowing above the pre-monsoon danger level at five monitoring points across the country.

The Naljur River was flowing above the danger level at the Jagannathpur point in Sunamganj.

The Bhugai-Kangsha River remained above the danger level at the Jariajanjail point in Netrokona, while the Someshwari River was also flowing above the danger mark at the Kalmakanda point in the same district.

The Mogra River, on the other hand, was above the danger level at the Netrokona point, and the Sutang River was flowing above the danger level at the Sutang Railway Bridge point in Habiganj.

The FFWC bulletin, citing the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and global weather agencies, predicts light to moderate rainfall over the next 72 hours.

The volume is not expected to cause a fresh rise in river levels immediately, the forecast said.

The Surma-Kushiyara rivers are expected to recede for the next two days and remain stable on the third day, leading to improved conditions in the Kushiyara basin.

The Bhugai-Kangsha rivers will continue to drop over the next three days. While the Someshwari and Mogra rivers are expected to remain stable, the overall flood situation in these basins is likely to improve.

The Manu and Sutang rivers are on a downward trend, while the Khowai and Juri rivers are expected to remain stable.

While the floods recede, the BMD has issued a separate warning for thundershowers, accompanied by gusty wind, for residents in eight districts.

The Met office advised the public to stay indoors during lightning strikes to avoid casualties.

Meteorologists are also monitoring a low-pressure area currently over West Bengal. A new low-pressure system is likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal by May 11.

Across the country, day temperatures are expected to remain unchanged, while night temperatures may see a slight dip.

Scattered rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds are possible in parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.