The flood situation of the country’s northern and northeastern regions started to deteriorate as the water level of the major rivers continued to rise, reports the UNB.

In Sylhet, water of the Surma River suddenly swelled due to incessant rains for the last several days and the onrush of water from hilly areas.

Sources at Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said the river was flowing above the danger level in three points, inundating many low-lying areas.

According to the BWDB control room, it was flowing 13.39 cm above the red mark at Kanaighat while 10.44 cm at Jakiganj and 14.83 cm in Amalshid at 6 pm.

However, the water level of Kushiara River was still flowing under the danger mark on Wednesday evening, according to the control room.

Meanwhile, the residents of the district are in fear of an imminent flood as the Met office forecasts heavy rainfall in the next 24-48 hours.

In Sunamganj, gushing water inundated many villages along the Surmar River as it was flowing 81cm above the danger level.

Local BWDB office recorded 90mm rainfall in the last 24 hours till Thursday morning and predicted more rain in the next two days.

In many places, people were seen wading through knee-deep water.

In Nilphamari, the water of the Teesta River is on constant rise and it was flowing just 5cm below the danger level at Dalia Teesta Barrage point at 6am on Thursday.

BWDB official at Dalia Nurul Islam said a total of 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage remained open as there is huge pressure of water upstream.

Given the present rise, the water level will cross the red mark anytime.

Meanwhile, water started to enter many villages along the river in Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas, said local public representatives.

In Panchagarh, the swelling Karatoya River inundated Khalpara, Nimnagar, Tulardanga, Ramerdanga areas of Panchagarch municipality, forcing people to take shelter in schools and colleges.

The situation will deteriorate further if the onrush of water from India continues, said locals.

In the afternoon, Deputy Commissioner Zahirul Islam visited the flood-affected areas.

He said relief materials have been distributed among the flood victims.

Panchagarh BWDB Executive Director Md Mizanur Rahman said the water was rising persistently.

The Karatoya River was flowing only 1.55cm below the danger level, he said.

In Lalmonirhat, the flood situation remained almost static with several thousand people in five upazilas still marooned. Hundred acres of paddy field along the Teesta and Dharala rivers went under water.

People were suffering in the affected areas for lack of food and safe drinking water.