There was a continuous downpour since morning across the country, including the capital, on Friday (July 12), which flooded various roads and lowland areas. 

The water level of 40 internal rivers increased within 6 hours. In addition, eight rivers were flowing above the danger level. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) have reported floods in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj, Tangail, Bagerhat, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Habiganj, Netrokona, and Munshiganj districts.

According to the latest bulletin of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), 39 rivers’ water levels have increased significantly across the country compared to July 11 and July 12. The water levels of Ichamati and Pasur rivers have increased the most, 216 cm. The water in Karnaphuli has risen by 113 cm.

Besides, the water level of various rivers is also flowing over the danger level,  of which Brahmaputra river is flowing 22 cm at Nunkhawa (Kurigram) point, 11 at Hatia and 31 at Chitalmari, 35 at Phulchari (Gaibandha) of Jamuna river, 52 at Bahadurabad (Jamalpur), 40 at Saghata, 41 at Sariakandi (Bogra), 23 at Kazipur (Sirajganj), 93 at Jagannathganj, 45 in Sirajganj and 20 in Porabari (Tangail), 16 in Baghabari of Atrai, 12 in Mongla (Bagerhat) of Pasur, 42 in Kanighat of Surmar and 14 in Sunamganj, 23 in Amalshid (Sylhet) of Kushiara and 23 in Markuli (Habiganj), 36 in Kalmakanda (Netrakona) of Someshwari and 24 cm at Meghna Setu Point (Munshiganj).

Meanwhile, in Sylhet, the water level of rivers rose again on Wednesday (July 10) night due to a third round of floods. The water has slowly receded at 1 cm every 3 hours. However, the Surma River is overflowing at three points in Kushiara, causing severe floods in the surrounding upazilas.

According to the data of Sylhet District Administration, 1033 villages across 94 Unions of 13 Upazilas have been flooded, which has caused almost half a million to be in a state of confinement. 9,021 people have sought refuge in 210 shelters in the affected areas. The people of Balaganj, Osmaninagar, Fenchuganj, and Biyanibazar upazilas are suffering the most as they have been staying in these shelters for almost a month.

Meanwhile, after slowly decreasing for three days, the water level of the inland rivers, including the Jamuna River in Sirajganj, is rising again due to the effects of monsoon winds and water coming down from the hill slopes. As a result, new areas are being inundated. Increased water levels due to floods have left over 100,000 people stranded in the riverside areas of the Jamuna.

Ranjit Kumar Sarkar, the sub-divisional engineer of Sirajganj Water Development Board, said, “River bank erosion in Shahjadpur and Kazipur is continuing due to rising water.”

Md. Akhtaruzzaman, the District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer said, “1,03,594 people of 23,306 families in 34 Unions of 5 Upazilas of the riverside district have become trapped due to rising water again.”

Eight people were reported dead in Zila Sadar, Shahzadpur, and Chowhali in recent floods, of which four people died due to boats sinking and four others drowned in the water.”

Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mir Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman said, “There are 180 flood shelters open.

Although no one took shelter yet, the flood situation is being closely monitored.”

Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Executive Engineer of Sirajganj Water Development Board, said, “The water level of the Jamuna River is rising again. Riverbank dams, crossbar dams, and areas prone to riverbank erosion are being carefully observed.  The concerned Upazila officials have been instructed to take swift action if necessary. Geo bags and sufficient manpower are also kept ready in case of emergency.

The water level of the Padma River has also seen a significant increase in Rajbari.

Idris Ali, the Goalanda Water Development Board surveyor, said that the Padma River's water level has been increasing for a week.

At 6 am on Friday, the water rose 14 cm in 24 hours and flows 3 cm above the danger level.

Increased water is causing disruptions in ferry transportation as ferries are taking longer than usual to cross the river from Daulatdia to Paturia Ghat. The lowlands of Daulatdia of Goland Upazila, Devogram, Barat Mijanpur of Sadar Upazila, Ratandia of Kalukhali Upazila, and Habaspur Union of Pangsha Upazila are starting to flood as well due to the rise in water level of the Padma river.