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After Remal, it’s flood now

Thousands marooned in Sylhet


Published : 30 May 2024 10:40 PM

Flash flood caused by incessant rain has inundated various upazilas in the northeastern region of the country, marooning several thousands of people. 

The major rivers, including Surma, Kushiyara, Manu and Sari, keep swelling and flowing above the danger level in five upazilas of Sylhet. 

Amid the situation, Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecast that the intensity of rainfall is likely to increase in the Sylhet region from June 1 with heavy to very heavy rainfall from June 2.

Locals say that about three lakh people have been stranded due to flood while many are taking shelter at flood centres. 

They also fear that the situation in other districts, including Sunamganj and Habiganj, under Sylhet division may get worse due to flash flood.

The country is facing another natural disaster just after the severe cyclonic storm Remal pounded the coastal regions on Monday that left a trail of destruction. 

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, rain started in Sylhet on Monday and continued for three days, submerging low-lying areas in five upazilas of Sylhet, officials concerned said. 

Communication network has been disrupted as the roads 

have gone under water, affecting houses and livestock just ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest festivals of the 

Muslims. Sylhet district relief and rehabilitation officer Abdul Quddus Bulbul said that the district administration has opened some 470 shelters for flood-affected people. 

Sylhet Met Office recorded 36.2mm of rain during the period between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm on Thursday.

According to Water Development Board, the water level of the Sari River increased about 202cm on Thursday and was flowing above 95cm of danger level at Jaintapur upazila. 

The water of the Surma surged to 196cm at Kanaighat upazila and the river was flowing 166cm above the danger level while the Kushiyara was flowing 202cm above the danger level at Jakiganj. 

Sylhet additional deputy commissioner Mobarak Hossain told reporters that out of the five upazilas, the situation in Gowainghat, Jaintapur and Kanaighat are worst.

The army personnel have already visited the affected areas and they will join the rescue operation, if needed, he said. 

“Food is being distributed at Gowainghat and relief materials will be distributed among the flood victims within the quickest possible time,” he added. 

Gowainghat UNO Touhidul Islam told reporters that over one lakh people had been marooned as 75 per cent of the area went under water. 

He said that some 250 families took shelter at 56 flood centres while many people took shelter on highland. 

A resident of Jaintapur upazila said that flash flood submerged their area suddenly, creating panic among the residents of Nijpat Union. 

Nijpat Union former chairman manjur Elahi Samrat said that the area was submerged due to the construction of an embankment.

“The area gets inundated due to the embankment in Hiderkhal area,” he said.

Amid the situation, Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecast that rainfall in the Sylhet region is likely to increase from June 1 with heavy to very heavy rainfall from June 2. 

“Rainfall in Sylhet will increase in the next few days. Sreemangal recorded 55 mm rainfall in 3 hours from 12pm to 3pm today (Thursday),” meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik said. 

The Sylhet Met Office said Sylhet recorded 705 mm of rain in May, which was more than double recorded in May last year. 

Sylhet recorded 330 mm of rain in May 2023. In May 2022, however, 839 mm of rain was recorded, and Sylhet experienced heavy flood that year.

As per Indian Meteorological Department data, monsoon air reached Chattogram, Sylhet, Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions today (Thursday).

There is a strong possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the districts of Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions under the influence of monsoon air.

According to meteorologists, the flood situation may worsen in the districts under Sylhet and Rangpur divisions due to heavy rain.