Dhaka, Aug 23 (V7N): Water levels in several rivers in flood-affected districts, including the Gomti River in Cumilla, have started to decrease as of this afternoon (23 August), following earlier rises. The latest data from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) indicates a drop of 2 to 90 centimeters in the Gumti, Kushiyara, Manu, Khowai, Meghna, and Halda rivers over the past six hours, offering a glimmer of hope for improved conditions.

Despite the decrease, water levels in these rivers remain above danger levels.

So far, flooding has claimed the lives of at least 15 people nationwide and affected approximately 4.8 million individuals across 11 districts.

"The flood situation is expected to improve within the next 48 hours. Rainfall has reduced upstream, which is contributing to better conditions," FFWC Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan told The Business Standard.

Raihan noted that lower water flow from India will also impact the situation positively.

Water levels in the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers are also declining, while the Ganga-Padma River levels remain stable and are expected to stay that way for the next 48 hours. Additionally, the water levels of the Surma and Kushiara rivers in the northeastern region are currently stable and are likely to decrease over the next 24 hours.

Water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers in the northern region are also falling and are expected to return to normal levels within 48 hours.

The morning bulletin from the FFWC reported a slow decrease in water levels in the main rivers of the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern regions of the country. It also noted a lack of significant rainfall in the eastern Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni districts, which border India's Tripura province and its inland basins. The water levels of upstream rivers are beginning to recede.

Consequently, the flood situation in the lower areas of Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni, Cumilla, and Chattogram districts is improving gradually, according to the FFWC.

Meteorological data suggests that heavy rainfall is unlikely in the northeastern region and adjacent uplands over the next 24 hours, and similarly, no significant rainfall is expected in the southeast, eastern, and adjacent uplands. This forecast is anticipated to aid in the improvement of flood conditions in the lower areas adjacent to the Manu, Khowai, and Dhalai rivers in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts, as well as in areas near rivers such as Feni, Gomti, Halda, and Muhuri in Feni, Cumilla, and Chattogram districts.

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