The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Heavy rains upstream have been pushing the Ganges-Padma poised to inundate low lying areas down stream at Munshiganj,Manikganj and Dhaka districts in next 24-72 hours, Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) reported on Tuesday.

It also warned that the north, north eastern part of the country and adjoining sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya experienced heavy rainfall which may continue to inundate low lying areas in the districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrakona and Sherpur.

FFWC sources told BSS yesterday the rising trend in the Ganges- Padma will continue for next 2-3 days crossing its danger level (DL) upstream at Goalundo today or day after. It was flowing there level with its DL on Tuesday.

The river was projected to rise by 7-8cm by 6am today. Reports from upstream at Farakka point of India said it has risen by 6-7cm there overnight. The excess water rushing downstream is likely to menace the low lying areas of the districts of Munshiganj, Manikganj and Dhaka at Dohar and Nawabganj regions.

Heavy rains, like 340mm yesterday at Cherapunji in Meghalaya across the north eastern border of Sunamganj have pushed the Surma up in spate. The river was flowing 18cm above its DL at Kanaighat and 40cm up DL at Sunamganj on Tuesday.

The FFWC sources said, reports from Indian Meteorological Department and the American satelites of NOAA shows further rainfall are likely in next 24 hours in the north eastern India and adjoining Bangladesh. The rains would also move to its north western region.