Bangladesh’s official water level monitoring agency, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), has warned of possible flooding in the major river basins in the country in July and August.
The primary cause of this alert is heavy rain in the upstream areas – the land outside Bangladesh where water flows down into our river systems. When these areas get a lot of rain, they eventually make their way into our rivers and raise the water levels.
Why is this time of year risky?
Sarder Udoy Raihan, an expert with the FFWC, explained that July and August are historically the most difficult months for the country. During this part of the monsoon, heavy rains in the big river basins often happen all at once.
Serious flooding can occur in nearby towns and villages if the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers reach high levels at the same time. We have seen such events happen in the past, including major floods in 1988, 1998, and 2004, which caused widespread hardship for millions of people. In 2022 and 2024, similar conditions again affected millions, showing how quickly the situation can change.
What is happening right now?
As of July 3, 2026, we are watching the situation closely:
· Brahmaputra-Jamuna River: Water levels dropped slightly over the last day, but they are expected to rise again in the coming days. Districts like Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, and Bogura may see water reach warning levels, which could flood some low-lying areas.
· Surma-Kushiyara Rivers: These are currently at warning levels in the Sylhet and Sunamganj areas, leading to some flooding on low-lying land nearby.
· Coastal Areas: Experts are monitoring the Bay of Bengal. If a low-pressure system forms there, it could cause sudden, heavy rain and flooding for coastal communities.
Staying Prepared
The FFWC is currently able to predict flooding for inland rivers up to two weeks in advance. This early warning system is designed to give people time to prepare and move to safer ground if necessary.
While the monsoon brings necessary water for farming, it also brings challenges. Local authorities are monitoring the water levels hour by hour and will continue to share updates to keep everyone informed and safe. It is a sensible idea to pay attention to local weather reports and stay prepared for changing conditions throughout the rest of the summer.
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