ZCZC
BSS-43
FLOOD-SITUATION LEAD
Flood situation worsens in Brahmaputra, Ganges basins
DHAKA, July 24, 2020 (BSS) – New areas were inundated in the country’s Brahmaputra basin today as the flood situation deteriorated further there due to the onrush of hilly water coming from the upstream.
The major rivers of the basin are flowing above the danger level at ten points, according to the officials of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
They said fresh areas went under flood water in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura and Sirajganj districts, while flood situation remained steady in Rangpur, Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the Brahmaputra River was flowing 80 cm above danger level at Noonkhawa point and 74 cm at Chilmari point, while Dharla 80 cm above at Kurigram point, Ghagot River was flowing 73 cm above at Gaibandha point and Kartoa 44 cm above the danger level at Chak Rahimpur point at 9 am today.
The Jamuna was flowing 101 cm above the danger mark at Fulchhari point in Gaibandha, 107 cm above at Bahadurabad point in Jamalpur, 111 cm above at Sariakandi point in Bogura, 88 cm above at Kazipur point and 78 cm above at Sirajganj point.
BWDB chief engineer for Rangpur Zone Jyoti Prosad Ghosh said that there is a possibility of a third phase of deluge during this season in the Brahmaputra basin.
He said adequate precautionary measures were taken to protect the flood control embankments and other structures as riverbank protection works in erosion-prone points continue.
Only two days after receding of flood water in Ganges River basin, water level in the major rivers there started rising again today, aggravating flood situation in chars and other low-lying areas due to heavy downpour and onrushing water from the upstream.
The rising trend of water levels at Rajshahi and Goalunda points was recorded in the last 24 hours ending 9 am today, said BWDB superintendent engineer Mukhlesur Rahman.
The water level of the Ganges River increased by one cm at Rajshahi point and five cm at Goalundo point this morning. But, the river was still flowing 192 cm below the danger level at Rajshahi point and 105 cm above the danger mark at Goalundo point, he added.
Besides, the water level of the Jamuna River flowing through Bogura and Sirajganj districts was found a rising trend this morning, worsening the flood situation in the districts.
Of the total 30 river points monitored in Ganges Basin, water levels increased at 19 stations, while decreased at nine stations and remained stable at two points at 9 am today.
FFWC executive engineer Arifuzzaman Bhuiyan said the water level in the Jamuna River increased by 14 cm at Sariakandi point in Bogura, while the river was flowing 88 cm and 78 cm above the danger level, with 14 cm and 12 rise afresh, at Kazipur and Sirajganj points respectively this morning.
He said the water level in Gur River increased by six cm at Singra point in Natore district and the river was flowing 83 cm above the danger mark.
The Atrai River was flowing 15 cm above the danger level at Atrai point in Naogaon with six cm rise afresh.
Flood situation worsened in many districts of Rajshai Division because of inundation of new areas and the collapse of the flood control embankments.
Moinul Islam, additional commissioner of Rajshahi Division, said the district and upazila administrations have further intensified relief activities in the flood-hit areas.
He said the district administrations and BWDB are closely monitoring the flood situation and taking immediate steps if necessary.
The flood situation began to improve in Meghna basin today because of dwindling rainfall and hilly water from the upstream, BSS Sylhet correspondent reports.
Water of the major rivers in Sylhet receded at almost all points during the last 24 hours. The rivers of Sunamganj are also falling, easing the plight of flood victims.
Water was flowing 20 cm above the danger level at Kanaighat point of Surma River at 3 pm today, while the river was flowing 33 cm bellow the danger mark at Sylhet point, according to the data of the FFWC.
Kushiyara was flowing 49 cm above danger level at Fenchuganj point at 3 pm today, while it was flowing 23 cm above the danger mark at Amalshed point.
BSS/Corrs/MRI/SH/1949hrs