Sylhet, Aug 24 (V7N) - Water levels in Sylhet’s rivers and haor areas are starting to fall following recent heavy rainfall and flooding from upstream in India. The Munu River, which has been receiving floodwater from India, initially showed normal levels at 6 AM. However, by midday, surrounding areas were quickly submerged. Persistent rainfall and inflows from India had severely impacted local life.
 
Since Friday (August 23), the intensity of rainfall has decreased, resulting in a partial reduction in river levels in Sylhet. Nonetheless, the Kushiyara River is still flowing above the danger level at four locations in the district.
 
According to the Sylhet Water Development Board (PWD), river levels in Sylhet had risen over the past two days due to continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from India. However, no severe flooding has been reported.
 
As of 9 AM on Friday, the Kushiyara River was still above the danger level at the Amolshid, Sheola, Fenchuganj, and Sherpur points. The levels at these points were also above the danger level on Thursday. However, there has been a slight decrease in water levels since Friday.
 
The Sylhet Meteorological Office reported a significant reduction in rainfall compared to previous days. In the 24 hours leading up to 6 AM on Saturday, only 3.2 millimeters of rain was recorded. This is a sharp drop from the 214 millimeters recorded in 18 hours from 6 PM Monday to 12 PM Tuesday, which was the highest in the country. Additionally, 45 millimeters of rain was recorded in the 24 hours up to 6 AM Thursday.
 
Local officials and residents have noted that while river levels have risen due to heavy rains and flooding, the situation is not currently alarming. With reduced rainfall since Friday afternoon, water levels have started to decrease. No flooding has been reported in the district so far. However, there is still a risk of flooding if rainfall and upstream runoff from India persist.
 
The PWD reports that water levels in all rivers in the district, including the Surma, Kushiyara, Luva, Sari, Dawki, Sari-Gowain, and Dhalai, are beginning to drop. As of 9 AM Saturday, the Kushiyara River's Amolshid point was flowing 0.21 centimeters above the danger level, the Sheola point was 0.02 centimeters above, the Fenchuganj point was 0.74 centimeters above, and the Sherpur point was 0.10 centimeters above the danger level.
 
Dipak Ranjan Das, Executive Engineer of PWD Sylhet, stated that river levels are decreasing, though the Kushiyara River remains above the danger level at four points. No flooding has been reported in the district so far.
 
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