Due to continuous rain and upstream hill slopes in Sunamganj, the water level in rivers and haors is rising. There was heavy rain on Saturday night as well. As a result, the water level in various rivers and haors of the district continues to rise. Although the water level of the Surma River near the district town is below the danger level, it has increased by 10 centimeters in the last 24 hours. During this time, 125 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in the district.
According to the Sunamganj Water Development Board (PAUBO), the water level in the rivers and haors of the district is rising due to heavy rains in the last three days. Similar weather conditions are forecast for the next few days. Cherrapunji, India, upstream of Sunamganj, has received 122 millimeters of rain in the last 24 hours. The previous 24 hours had seen 410 millimeters of rain. If the water from this surge recedes downstream, short-term flooding is expected in the lower areas of Sunamganj.
According to Paubo, at 9 am on Sunday, the water level of the Surma River at Sholaghar point in Sunamganj city was 6.87 meters, which is 93 centimeters below the danger level. At the same time yesterday, it was 6.78 meters. Usually, the danger level at this point during the monsoon season is considered to be 8.80 meters.
The water levels of the Surma, Jadukata, Patnai, Kushiyara, Naljur, Chela, Chalti, Rakti, Boulai and Khasiamara rivers in Sunamganj are rising. The torrential rains in Cherrapunji, India, mainly caused the flood in Sunamganj. The floodwaters first entered the lower reaches of Tahirpur, Bishwambharpur, Sadar, Doarabazar and Chhatak upazilas of the district.
Jewel Ahmed, a member of Ward No. 6 of Barodal South Union in Tahirpur Upazila, said that the mountain stream is flowing down the Jaduka river bordering the upazila. The water is rising. If the water level rises like this, it could lead to a flood situation.
As part of the administration’s preparations to deal with the floods, 34 educational institutions in Tahirpur Upazila have been kept ready as shelter centers. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mohammad Abul Hashem has circulated the list of these centers and emergency contact numbers. He said, “The water is rising due to rain and floods. However, there is no flood situation yet. We are all prepared.”
The district administration has set up a control room to deal with the flood situation. Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ilias Mia said that instructions have been given to prepare in every upazila. Special attention has been paid to the upazilas that are usually flooded first. Arrangements have been made to go to boats and shelters if necessary. Considering the situation, some dry food, medicines, candles should be kept in the house. Care should also be taken to ensure that rice and clothes are not damaged. Children, the elderly and the sick should also be careful.
Executive Engineer of PAUBO’s Sunamganj office, Md. Mamun Howlader, said, “The water is rising, but there has been no flooding anywhere yet. There is a forecast of rain for another day or two.”
Source: Prothom Alo
