Officials reported today (29 May) that the water levels in all rivers in Sylhet have surpassed the danger mark, heightening the risk of flooding in the district.

According to the Sylhet Water Development Board, heavy rainfall over the past two days, influenced by Cyclone Remal, has exacerbated the situation. Continuous rain and upstream water flow have significantly raised water levels in nearly all the rivers in the region.

Residents have been advised to prepare for potential flooding.

Flash floods, induced by heavy rainfall and hill slope water, have already inundated the low-lying and haor areas of three unions in Sylhet's Jaintapur upazila. This morning, the Sari River, the largest in the upazila, was flowing above the danger level at both Gowainghat and Sarighat points.

Dipak Ranjan Das, executive engineer of the Sylhet Water Development Board, stated that the rise in river water levels is primarily due to upstream water. "Pre-monsoon rain is typical, and rising river water levels are expected during this period," he said.

"The water levels of Sylhet's rivers are currently above the danger mark. While these levels may increase slightly before subsiding, there is some relief as it is not raining within the country. However, if it rains in India's Meghalaya or Assam, floods from hill slope water will likely occur," Das added.

The Sylhet Meteorological Office predicts nearly daily rain during this pre-monsoon season. From 6:00am to 6:00pm in the last 24 hours, Sylhet recorded 146.1mm of rainfall. Shah Md Sajib Hossain, assistant meteorologist at the met office, noted that Sylhet could experience rain with temporary gusty and light to moderate squally winds for the next three days.