Sylhet flood returns as rivers surge above danger level

Sylhet faces another severe flood crisis as relentless rainfall and upstream surges have caused rivers to rise rapidly, submerging large areas. Over the past two days, six points across three rivers in Sylhet have exceeded danger levels, affecting communities in Companiganj and Gowainghat upazilas.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 2 lakh people have been affected, with nearly 50,000 residents of Sylhet city experiencing severe waterlogging. On Eid day (Monday), the district administration distributed sacrificial meat, dry food, saline, and medicine to the flood-hit people, providing some relief amid the crisis.

Assistant Meteorologist Shah Md Sajib Hossain of the BMD reported that Sylhet received 153 mm of rainfall between 6 am Monday and 6 am Tuesday, with an additional 44 mm recorded from 6 am to 9 am Tuesday.

Continuous heavy rain was forecasted for the next two days, worsening the situation. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also reported 395 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, contributing to the surging river levels.

This marks the second wave of flooding in Sylhet within 20 days, following the first on May 27, which affected 750,000 people across 13 upazilas. The region had not fully recovered when heavy rains and upstream surges hit again on June 15, leading to widespread flooding by June 16. Sylhet city and many key roads are now submerged, disrupting daily life and mobility.

Low-lying areas of Sylhet city, particularly Shahjalal Uposhohor, are severely impacted, with waist-deep water in many homes. Other affected areas include Jatarpur, Mendibagh, Shibganj, Raynagar, Sobhanighat, Kalighat, Kamalgadh, Mashimpur, Taltola, Jamtola, Kazirbazar, Madina Market, Darga Mahalla, Akhalia, and Mejortila.

Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury said, "We were able to celebrate Eid beautifully on Monday despite the rain. But today the Surma river‍‍`s water is flowing abobve the danger level. As a result, water has risen in our wards 26, 28 and 29. We have already cancelled the leave of all our officers and employees.”

The district administration has prepared 538 temporary shelters, with 343 people currently taking refuge in five upazilas. Many residents struggled to perform ritual sacrifices on Eid due to the flooding of homes and businesses.

Rural roads in several upazilas, including Gowainghat and Companiganj, are underwater, disrupting road communication and flooding agricultural fields. Fish from ponds have also been washed away.

According to the Sylhet Water Development Board, as of 9 am Monday, the Surma River at Kanaighat point is 133 cm above the danger level, and at Sylhet point, it is 22 cm above the danger level. The Kushiyara River at Amolshid point is 15 cm above the danger level, and at Fenchuganj point, it is 79 cm above. The Sari River at Sarighat point is 35 cm above, and the Sari-Gowainghat River is 16 cm above the danger level. All rivers continue to rise.

Executive Engineer Dipak Ranjan Das stated that rainfall in Meghalaya, India, has caused upstream surges, increasing water levels. The situation is expected to improve once rainfall decreases in India. In Gowainghat upazila, the flood situation is deteriorating, and authorities have been instructed to prepare for rescue operations, shelter management, and relief distribution.

Meanwhile, all tourist centres in Sylhet have been declared closed due to the flooding. Sylhet Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Mobarak Hossain announced the decision on Tuesday afternoon.

In Sunamganj, the flood situation has worsened despite no local rainfall, with upstream water levels rising from 5 am. By noon, the Surma River at Shologhar point in Sunamganj municipality was flowing 69 cm above the danger level. Floodwaters have inundated various parts of the town, forcing residents near the riverbanks to evacuate and seek refuge in shelters. The Water Development Board has indicated that water levels will continue to rise, causing fear among locals of further deterioration.

Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Chowdhury said shelter centres have been kept ready. There are also adequate relief materials. "We are also contacting the ministry for additional relief materials."