Sylhet Grapples with Severe Flooding as Heavy Rain and Upstream Water Exacerbate

Sylhet, Bangladesh – The Sylhet division is facing a severe flooding crisis as relentless heavy rainfall and the influx of water from upstream Indian rivers have caused major rivers, including the Surma and Kushiyara, to swell beyond danger levels. The situation, which began to deteriorate over the weekend, has left hundreds of thousands of residents stranded, submerged homes, and disrupted daily life across the district.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, water levels at several key monitoring points in Sylhet have risen significantly, with the Surma River flowing 78 centimeters above the danger mark at the Sylhet point by Tuesday morning. The Kushiyara River has also exceeded its danger level by 90 centimeters at Amalshid. Officials warn that the flooding could persist for several days as more rain is forecast for the region and upstream areas in Assam, India.

Local authorities have reported that at least 15 upazilas (sub-districts) in Sylhet are affected, with the worst-hit areas being Companiganj, Gowainghat, and Jaintiapur. In Companiganj, floodwaters have inundated over 50 villages, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Many families have taken shelter on elevated roads, embankments, and in makeshift relief camps set up by the government and non-governmental organizations.

“We have never seen water rise this fast in recent years,” said Abdul Karim, a resident of Companiganj who lost his home to the floods. “We managed to save some belongings, but our livestock and crops are destroyed. We need food and clean water urgently.”

The Sylhet City Corporation has opened several flood shelters, but many remain overcrowded. The Bangladesh Army has been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations, using boats to reach stranded communities. The military has also been distributing dry food, drinking water, and medicine to affected areas.

In response to the crisis, the Sylhet district administration has established a control room to coordinate relief efforts. Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Russel Hasan stated that the government is providing all necessary support. “We are working around the clock to ensure that no one is left without aid. Our priority is to rescue those trapped and provide essential supplies,” he said.

The flooding has also severely impacted road and rail communication in the region. The Sylhet-Dhaka highway has been partially submerged in several places, causing long traffic jams and disrupting supply chains. The Sylhet railway station has canceled several trains due to waterlogging on the tracks, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Agricultural damage is expected to be extensive, as vast areas of paddy fields and vegetable farms remain underwater. Local farmers fear a significant loss of the Boro rice crop, which was ready for harvest. “This is a double blow for us,” said farmer Mohammad Ali from Gowainghat. “We already faced losses from earlier floods this year, and now this.”

Meteorologists attribute the intense rainfall to a combination of a strong monsoon trough and a depression over the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sylhet and surrounding areas for the next 48 hours, raising concerns of further deterioration.

International aid agencies, including the Red Crescent Society and UNICEF, have begun mobilizing resources to support the affected population. UNICEF has warned of increased risks of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid, urging the distribution of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

As the floodwaters show no immediate signs of receding, residents brace for a prolonged crisis. The government has urged people to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Meanwhile, the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industries has called for a comprehensive flood management plan to mitigate future disasters.

The flooding in Sylhet highlights the broader vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change and transboundary water management issues. With the monsoon season only halfway through, the coming weeks will be critical for the region's recovery and resilience.