By: Sham Islam
The residents of Sylhet and Sunamganj are facing flooding for the third time this year due to heavy rainfall in the region and upstream in India. The water levels of several rivers, including the Surma, Jadukata, Kushiyara, and Sari, have exceeded the hazard limit at various locations.
The flooding has completely submerged low-lying areas in Kanaighat, Zakiganj, and Jaintiapur in Sylhet, as well as Tahirpur, Chhatak, Dowarabazar, and Sadar in Sunamganj.
We anticipate further problems for residents due to the anticipated inundation. Additionally, candidates for the Higher Secondary Certificate in the four Sylhet districts affected by the flood still require relief.
The floods have caused damage to residential properties and roadways. The testing facility still contains water, and parents acknowledge that taking the test and achieving satisfactory results will be a significant challenge for the students.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre issued a report on July 1st, predicting substantial rainfall in the next 48 hours for the country’s north, northeast, and neighbouring upstream regions.
Situation in Sylhet District
Residents of Sylhet are concerned about potential flooding caused by continuous rainfall and rising water levels upstream. According to the Sylhet Water Development Board, the water level in the Surma River exceeded its limit at the Kanaighat point on Monday morning, July 1.
This caused flooding in Anwarpur along the route connecting Tahirpur and Sunamganj. As a result, locals are using canoes for transportation. In the 24 hours from 6:00 on Sunday, June 30, to 6:00 on Monday, July 1, the area received 39.6 millimetres of rain. Furthermore, there was an additional 65 millimetres of rain between 6:00 and 9:00 on Monday, July 1.
According to sources in the Sylhet district administration, as of Sunday, people have sought refuge in 10 of the 13 Upazilas shelter centres. The district has set up 653 shelters to accommodate those in need, with 219 currently in use. However, the Sylhet City Corporation and Sadar Upazila shelters have no occupants.
Situation in Sunamganj District
Heavy rainfall and strong currents from upstream cause significant increases in river levels, flooding the Haor area of Sunamganj district. The district headquarters, as well as the upazilas of Tahirpur and Bishwamvarpur, have reported an inundation. According to reports, the flooding is submerging roads and houses.
As of noon today (July 2nd), the Surma River was running 36 centimetres higher than the dangerous level at Chhatak and 11 centimetres higher than the threshold at Sunamganj town. Meanwhile, in Tahirpur’s Shaktiarkhola, the Jadukata River exceeded the danger level by 70 cm. This situation has affected a total of 1,018 communities in the district.
Furthermore, the flooding has not only inundated numerous residences, roads, and various infrastructure, but it has also cut off around 800,000 individuals. Over 25,000 families sought shelter in homes, schools, and buildings owned by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Residents began returning to their homes as the water levels receded after June 23rd. However, some are still unable to reach their homes.
Situation in Moulvibazar District
While the recent flood waters in the Moulvibazar district have somewhat receded, the substantial rainfall over the past two to three days has raised concerns about the possibility of residences flooding again. Both the Kushiyara and Juri rivers’ water levels have risen, resulting in their overflow. It’s important to focus on proactive measures to mitigate further flooding and support the affected residents, especially in the upazilas of Juri, Barlekha, Kulaura, Rajnagar, and Sadar. Bhati Shahpur hamlet, located along the banks of Hakaluki Haor in the Jaifarnagar union of the Juri Upazila, requires immediate attention to alleviate the adversity its residents are facing in many areas.
According to the Moulvibazar Water Development Board, specific areas, such as the Manu River at the Railway Bridge location and the Kushiyara River at Sherpur, require increased monitoring and potential preemptive action to address the slightly elevated water levels. It’s critical to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to mitigate the potential impact of rising water levels in order to ensure residents’ safety and well-being.