The flood situation in Bangladesh’s northeastern and northern regions is worsening as water levels in all major rivers continue to rise, with authorities warning that the current flood is the worst since 2004.
The flood crisis in Bangladesh has deepened, particularly in the northeastern and northern regions, as the water levels in major rivers across the country continue to rise. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), this marks the worst flooding since 2004.
FFWC spokesman Md Arifuzzaman Bhuyan stated, “The water levels are significantly above the danger lines in two of the country’s four major river basins, with the situation worsening by the day.” He added that heavy rainfall in both the upstream areas of India and Bangladesh has contributed to the swelling of rivers, exacerbating the crisis.
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A Growing Crisis
Experts have estimated that approximately six million people have been displaced due to the floodwaters. The rising rivers have submerged entire villages, forcing many residents to seek refuge on rooftops until rescue operations could reach them. In some cases, people were stranded without power for days due to the flooding of power stations, causing widespread disruption to mobile and internet services.
In Sunamganj, one of the most severely affected districts, roads have been completely cut off, and the situation is dire. The floodwaters even reached Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, forcing its closure as water submerged the runway.
Authorities have deployed rescue teams, including navy personnel and air force helicopters, to assist in evacuating people from flooded areas. A 35-member naval team, along with one Coast Guard vessel and two Air Force helicopters, has been mobilised in Sylhet and Sunamganj, with plans to expand the team as necessary.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
The floods have not only displaced thousands of families but have also submerged large areas of farmland. According to the Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Zakia Sultana, standing crops have been devastated. Floodwaters have inundated:
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T-Aman seed beds on 25 hectares,
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Aush crops on 215 hectares,
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Jute on 1,326 hectares,
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Vegetables on 122 hectares, and
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Green chillies on 30 hectares.
The agricultural losses could further exacerbate the socio-economic challenges faced by the affected communities.
Affected Areas
The impact of the flood has been particularly severe in the Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Netrokona districts. Nearly 90% of homes in Sunamganj have been submerged, while in Sylhet, around 80% of homes are affected. The flooding has also severely impacted key roads, including the Sylhet-Sunamganj highway and the Sylhet-Bholaganj highway, further isolating these areas.
Flooding Statistics (Selected River Stations):
| River Station | River Basin | Water Level (cm above danger level) |
|---|---|---|
| Noonkhawa | Brahmaputra | 23 cm |
| Bahadurabad | Jamuna | 51 cm |
| Kanaighat | Surma | 44 cm |
| Amalshid | Kushiyara | 32 cm |
| Derai | Old Surma | 115 cm |
Ongoing Weather Forecast
According to the FFWC, all major rivers in the country are currently on the rise, and rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours. The monsoon rains, coupled with the flow of water from upstream regions in India, are predicted to keep water levels high, particularly in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges-Padma river systems.
The FFWC has also warned that the flood situation could worsen in the coming days, with low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Sirajganj, Jamalpur, and Tangail expected to be at greater risk of flooding.
Rescue and Relief Operations
In response to the disaster, the Bangladesh government has mobilised army, navy, and air force units to assist with evacuation and relief operations. The response is focused on the worst-hit areas, including Sylhet and Sunamganj, where the flooding has turned the region into a vast water body, resembling a sea.
As part of the emergency relief efforts, temporary shelters have been set up, and essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid are being distributed to affected communities. The government has also initiated a nationwide appeal for donations to support relief operations.
The flood situation in northeastern and northern Bangladesh is a severe crisis, with millions affected by rising waters and widespread destruction. While rescue efforts continue, the extent of the damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods is likely to have long-term consequences for the region. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, as more rainfall and rising river levels could worsen the situation in the coming days.
Key Points:
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Six million people displaced due to flooding.
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90% of homes submerged in Sunamganj, 80% in Sylhet.
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Standing crops submerged: T-Aman, Aush, jute, vegetables, green chillies.
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Rescue operations: Navy, air force, and army involved.
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Road and airport closures: Osmani International Airport submerged.
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Rainfall: 242 mm in Chattogram, 175 mm in Feni, 155 mm in Rangamati.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the full scale of the disaster and the recovery efforts needed to restore affected communities.