Heavy rains and upstream flows push Sunamganj rivers above danger levels, flooding low-lying areas and worsening residents' suffering. Photo : BSS

SUNAMGANJ, July 20, 2026 (BSS) - Water levels in rivers across Sunamganj district have been rising due to heavy rainfall and the flow of water from upstream hilly areas, causing flooding in several low-lying regions.

In the past 24 hours, the district recorded the highest rainfall of 140 millimeters at Laurergarh and 110 millimeters in Sunamganj, according to local weather monitoring data.

The continuous rainfall has caused river water levels to rise rapidly. At the Chhatak point, the Surma River is currently flowing 16 centimeters above the danger level.

According to data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) at 9.00 am on Monday, the water level of the Surma River at Chhatak was recorded at 8.86 meters, which is 16 centimeters above the danger mark. At Sunamganj point, the river was flowing at 7.35 meters, 45 centimeters below the danger level. The water level at Laurergarh stood at 7.44 meters, 61 centimeters below the danger mark, while at Dirai point it was recorded at 6.06 meters, 49 centimeters below the danger level.

BWDB officials said water levels in the rivers may rise further if rainfall continues in the upstream areas.

Meanwhile, water from the hilly streams has entered residential areas again in Charagaon, a border area under Tahirpur upazila. Several houses have been inundated, increasing the suffering of people living in low-lying areas.

Sunamganj BWDB Executive Engineer Emdadul Haque told BSS that the pressure of upstream water flow from heavy rainfall remains high. "The Surma River at Chhatak is currently flowing 16 centimeters above the danger level," he said.

He added that if rainfall continues in upstream areas over the next 24 hours, water levels in the district's rivers are likely to rise further.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman said the administration is closely monitoring the situation. "Officials of all upazilas are prepared to deal with the situation. Adequate food supplies have been stored," he said.