Dhaka, Aug 21 (V7N) - The flood situation has deteriorated due to continuous heavy rainfall across several regions, including Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni, Cumilla, and Chattogram. The water levels in the Kushiyara, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Muhuri, Feni, Gumti, and Halda rivers have surpassed the danger threshold.

In some areas, such as Habiganj, the water level has exceeded records from the past 50 years, according to data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). Among the 116 water level monitoring stations, ten are currently indicating danger levels.

FFWC Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan stated, "Five districts in the country are now facing sudden flooding, with water levels in these areas expected to remain above the danger level for the next 24 hours. The flood situation may begin to improve after three days."

He further explained, "Due to a monsoon depression, rainfall has reached record levels in various parts of the country over the past three days, resulting in these sudden floods. The monsoon depression is currently centered in central Bangladesh, and although it is gradually weakening, the floods are exacerbated by the seasonal opening of India's dams, which leads to a significant rise in floodwater from rain and runoff."

Raihan also noted, "The water level in the Khowai River in Habiganj has broken a 50-year record. The danger level for this river is 9.05 meters, but by morning, the water level had exceeded 11 meters and continues to rise. Similarly, the water level in the Muhuri River in Chittagong has also broken a 40-year record on the Indian side."

The FFWC warns that within the next 24 hours, the water level of the Gumti River in Cumilla district could rise above the danger level, potentially causing short-term flooding in nearby low-lying areas.

Meteorological agencies forecast medium to heavy rainfall over southeastern and eastern regions of the country, as well as adjacent upstream areas, within the next 24 hours. Consequently, the water levels of the Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri, and Gumti rivers are expected to remain steady.

Reports indicate that at Ballah station, the Khowai River's water level was recorded at 23.17 meters today (August 21), well above the danger level of 21.20 meters. Over the last three hours (from 9 a.m.), the water level has risen by 142 centimeters.

Significant rainfall was recorded in the last 24 hours (from 9 a.m.), with Parsuram in Feni receiving 304 mm, Manu Rly Bridge in Moulvibazar 238 mm, Cumilla 210 mm, and Jafflong in Sylhet 199 mm.

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