Heavy to very heavy rainfall in Bangladesh’s northern and northeastern regions may trigger flash floods in Sherpur and adjoining districts, according to media reports. Low-lying areas are at particular risk, as all major rivers in these regions are likely to swell within the next 24 hours.
According to the Water Development Board, continuous rainfall over the past four days and the onrush of water from upstream hills across the Indian border have already caused the Chellakhali River in Sherpur to flow 106 centimetres above the danger level. The river had reached 39 centimetres above danger level just two days earlier.
Other rivers in Sherpur, including the Bhugai, are also rising steadily, prompting local residents to remain on high alert. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by lightning and temporary gusty winds in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. A few places in Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions and isolated areas in Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions are also likely to experience rainfall.
Moderately heavy to heavy rainfall is expected particularly in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, driven by a trough of low pressure extending from West Bengal to the North Bay. This forecast indicates a possible early monsoon, bringing an unusual volume of rainfall.
As climate change continues to disrupt Bangladesh's traditional weather patterns, the risk of floods has increased significantly, threatening both agriculture and livelihoods. If heavy rainfall persists, many low-lying areas will likely to be submerged, affecting large population.
The present onrush of water from upstream may worsen the situation. In response, the government must take immediate and comprehensive preparatory measures.
The onrush of water from upstream hills across the Indian
border has already caused the
Chellakhali River in Sherpur to flow 106
centimetres above the
danger level
Rivers across various regions may cross danger levels, necessitating an emergency meeting of the inter-ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee. Vulnerable points along embankments should be reinforced without delay.
Food grains and dry food packets must be stockpiled for rapid distribution to affected areas. Temporary shelters should be made ready, and shelter centres must be repaired now—before disaster strikes. Furthermore, medical response teams, led by civil surgeons, should be formed in flood-prone districts to address potential outbreak of water-borne diseases.
Given Bangladesh’s geographical vulnerability and changing climate conditions, natural disasters like early monsoon floods, cyclones, and lightning strikes are becoming increasingly frequent. Districts along the northeastern border—such as Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj—are likely to experience excessive water inflow, exceeding pre-monsoon levels.
Residents in these regions should be warned and prepared for possible evacuations. The devastation caused by flash floods in August 2024 is still fresh in memory. Districts like Noakhali, Feni, and Comilla saw over 90% of their areas submerged, displacing thousands and destroying homes, schools, and farmland.
In Sylhet division, most of the districts were under-water, leading to immense human suffering and economic loss. If a similar situation unfolds now, several lakh people may be marooned.
Cropland, fisheries, households, businesses, and educational institutions will face serious damage. The haor regions—especially Kishoreganj, Netrakona, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sylhet, and Brahmanbaria—are particularly vulnerable.
Every year, flash floods destroy crops here, pushing farmers into deeper poverty. Embankments in these areas have already weakened and can no longer protect lives and property effectively.
An emergency repair work must be launched immediately. In the long term, sustainable embankment management is essential.
Participatory construction, involving local communities and authorities, must be prioritised to ensure resilience. With rainfall intensifying and upstream water flows increasing, the threat is real and imminent. The government must act now—without delay—to protect its people from yet another devastating flood.
