Dhaka, Jul 07 (V7N) — The Bangladesh Water Development Board's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that water levels in several rivers across the country's northern, northeastern and southeastern regions, including the Teesta, may rise rapidly over the next 24 to 72 hours, increasing the risk of short-term flooding in at least 16 districts.

According to the FFWC's rainfall and river situation forecast issued on Tuesday, the country's major rivers are currently flowing below their respective danger levels. As of 9:00 a.m., none of the monitored rivers had crossed the danger mark.

Of the 127 river monitoring stations across the country, water levels increased at 38 stations, decreased at 86 stations and remained unchanged at three.

The forecast noted that heavy rainfall in upstream areas is likely to contribute to the rising river levels. Meghalaya's Mawkirwa recorded 153 mm of rainfall, RKM Sohra 141 mm, Cherrapunji 133 mm, while Sabram in India's Tripura state received 58 mm.

The FFWC said the water levels of the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Selonia, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers are expected to rise rapidly within the next 24 to 72 hours. As a result, these rivers may exceed the danger level at some locations in Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari, causing short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

Low-lying areas along rivers in Lakshmipur and Noakhali may also experience temporary flooding.

In the northeast, river water levels may exceed danger levels at several locations in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh over the next 24 to 72 hours, creating short-term flood conditions in nearby low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, the water levels of the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers in Rangpur Division are also expected to rise significantly during the next three days.

The FFWC warned that the Teesta River could cross the danger level within the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially triggering short-term flooding in low-lying areas of Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts.

The Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers may also approach warning levels at several points in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram, with adjacent low-lying areas facing the risk of temporary inundation.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official updates as weather and river conditions continue to evolve.

END/SMA/AJ