51 Dead in Floods Heavy Rain Expected to Continue Tomorrow
Flood-affected people take refuge at a shelter in Rangamati. Photo: Captured from video
According to their latest update issued this morning, water levels at five stations on three major rivers are above the danger mark. Even yesterday, water levels at all five stations were above the danger mark. Among the rivers currently flowing above the danger mark are the Sangu River in Bandarban, the Kushiyara River in Sylhet, and the Someshwari River in Netrokona.
The situation across the country is deteriorating by the day due to continuous rainfall over the past week. Flash floods, overflowing rivers, and torrential rains have already triggered flash flooding in seven districts. Water levels at five stations on three major rivers are above the danger mark. So far, 51 people have died in the floods.
This disaster has put the lives of millions at severe risk. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered authorities to expedite relief distribution and strengthen ongoing flood response efforts. Meanwhile, the latest warning from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast the likelihood of further heavy rain for at least another 24 hours. Much of the country, from the capital Dhaka to remote areas, remains waterlogged and disrupted by the rain.
Overall Flood Situation and Death Toll
Due to continuous downpours for over a week, low-lying areas have been submerged, causing fresh flooding in seven districts of the country. Normal life has completely collapsed in the most affected localities. So far, 51 deaths have been reported; among them, 28 died in Cox's Bazar, 13 in Chattogram, 6 in Bandarban, 3 in Rangamati, and 1 in Moulvibazar.
The situation varies from region to region. While the situation in the port city of Chattogram was dire yesterday, water levels have slowly begun to recede today. However, the situation in the northeastern region of Sylhet is gradually worsening as a dam on the Manu River has been damaged, inundating newer localities. Furthermore, heavy rains in the northern division of Rangpur have submerged wide areas of fields and roads, raising fears of severe waterlogging.
Water Flowing Above the Danger Mark
To assess the circumstances in the flood-hit areas, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) is closely monitoring river water levels. According to their latest update issued this morning, water levels at five stations on three major rivers are above the danger mark. Even yesterday, water levels at all five stations were above the danger mark. Among the rivers currently flowing above the danger mark are the Sangu River in Bandarban, the Kushiyara River in Sylhet, and the Someshwari River in Netrokona. People living along the riverbanks are gripped by fear as upstream flows continue to push river levels higher.
Emergency Relief Status and Prime Minister's Special Directives
To support people affected by flooding and heavy rainfall, the Prime Minister’s Office held a special virtual meeting from the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman gave direct instructions regarding flood management to the Divisional Commissioners of all eight divisions, Range DIGs of Police, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and Civil Surgeons. Concerned officials briefed him on the latest scenario regarding waterlogging, river water levels, damage suffered by residents, and conditions inside the shelter centers in their respective areas.
The Prime Minister explicitly declared that the lives of disaster victims must be saved at any cost, and no negligence will be tolerated in this regard. He gave strict orders to the administration to ensure there is no shortage of dry food, safe drinking water, emergency food for children, and life-saving medicines in the flood-stricken zones. Special emphasis was placed on prioritizing women, the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and pregnant women in relief and rescue efforts. At the same time, he directed law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant. In the Prime Minister's words, strict measures must be taken against anyone attempting to embezzle relief, hoard goods, or capitalize on this state of helplessness to commit theft or loot relief supplies. He emphasized close monitoring to guarantee that marginalized people receive relief quickly and without any hassle.
How Long Will the Heavy Rains Continue?
Weather forecasts suggest the situation is unlikely to improve soon. A special new bulletin, signed by meteorologist Md. Hafizur Rahman of the BMD, was issued at 12 PM today. It states that over the next 24 hours, starting from 12 PM today, extremely heavy rainfall may occur in some parts of at least six divisions—Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Generally, 44 to 88 millimeters of recorded rainfall is considered 'heavy rain'. Rainfall exceeding 88 mm is classified as extremely heavy rainfall. Ultimately, residents cannot escape the looming threat of continuous downpours over the next day because the monsoon remains highly active, in addition to rain associated with a low-pressure system.
Dhaka City Stands Still Due to the Rain
The capital city, Dhaka, is a prime example of just how intense the continuous rain has been. The city recorded at least 76 millimeters of rainfall from midnight last Saturday until 6 AM today, bringing the 24-hour total to 135 mm, with 38 mm of rain registered in just the last three hours. Many of the capital's busiest areas—ranging from Dhanmondi 27 to Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Banani, Uttara, and Fakirapul—have been inundated.
An on-the-ground visit around 12 PM from the Ittefaq crossing toward Kakrail to assess the situation painted a grim picture of heavy traffic congestion and waterlogging. The 3.4 km route, which usually takes at most 40 minutes on foot, took an hour and a half in a rickshaw. Waist-deep water was visible on the stretch of road between Rapa Plaza in Dhanmondi and Aarong in Lalmatia, with countless CNG auto-rickshaws visibly broken down and stranded in the water.
Floodwaters were so deep that the road dividers from Fakirapul to Notre Dame College vanished completely, and nearly 60 large vehicles, including buses, were found broken down and trapped. There, businessman Monir Hossain stood in waist-deep water, visibly frustrated. He remarked, "I came out for work; I couldn’t reach my workplace, nor can I go back home now."
Meanwhile, both Dhaka North and South City Corporations sought to reassure residents through statements released in the afternoon. The DSCC's Emergency Response Team began draining floodwater from noon onwards using two pumps at Kamalapur and pumps at Dholaikhal. The DSCC administrator ensured the continuous deployment of staff for the effort. Citizens have been urged by the administration to act carefully and patiently, steering clear of scattered live electrical wires and exposed drain manholes on the streets. Regardless, residents fear disruption will continue until the rain subsides.
