Seven districts go under floodwaters

Flooding persists across seven districts of Bangladesh, though a reduction in rainfall over the past 24 hours, compared to the previous two days has slightly eased concerns about a rapid worsening of the crisis, report The Business Standard and New Age.

According to a morning bulletin from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), water levels at six monitoring points on four rivers remain above the danger mark. These stations are located at Bandarban and Dohazari on the Sangu River, Markuli and Fenchuganj on the Kushiyara River, the Manu River in Moulvibazar, and the Balla point on the Khowai River in Habiganj.

FFWC Executive Engineer Sardar Uday Raihan informed the media that the affected districts are Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban. He added that heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours, especially in the southeastern Chattogram region, offering little hope for immediate improvement there. Additionally, new flooding may develop in the Feni area within the same period.

On a positive note, Raihan pointed out that rainfall in both the southeast and northeast—including Sylhet, has been comparatively lighter over the last day. If heavy rains continue to subside from Monday, 13 July onward, the flood scenario is likely to improve gradually.

The authorities concerned are closely monitoring the Teesta River in the north, as there is a risk that its water level could exceed danger thresholds at several points within the next 48 hours. However, the Ganges and Jamuna rivers remain below hazardous levels, with the Jamuna showing a receding trend, providing some reassurance.

The monsoon has continued to cause widespread disruption since Friday, with flash floods and waterlogging affecting southeastern districts and spreading to northern, northeastern, southwestern areas, and even parts of Dhaka, leaving millions stranded. Tragically, two children drowned in Chattogram and an elderly man died in Moulvibazar as rising waters inundated thousands of homes, forcing many residents to flee to shelters.