India opens Dambur Dam, unleashing floodwaters into Bangladesh

The recent opening of the gates at India's Dambur hydroelectric project in Tripura has sent a torrent of upstream water flooding into Bangladesh, inundating the bordering districts of Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni.

According to Indian media reports, the water levels in four rivers in Tripura—Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri, and Khoai—have surged beyond their boundaries, forcing 5,600 families to seek refuge in safer areas. 

Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey informed the press that the relentless rains have wreaked havoc in Tripura's South Tripura and Gomti districts. On Tuesday (August 20), rainfall in the past 24 hours reached alarming levels: 375.8 mm in Bagafa, 324.4 mm in Belonia, and 307.14 mm in Amarpur.

As of 4 pm on that day, the water levels in the rivers were flowing above the border, with Howrah River entering Brahmanbaria, Dhalai entering Moulvibazar, Muhuri entering Feni, and Khoai entering Sylhet.

Khowai District Magistrate Chandni Chandran reported severe flooding in two sub-divisions as the Khowai River overflowed. She urged residents to avoid fishing near rivers and to steer clear of landslide-prone areas.

Meanwhile, the Gomti District Magistrate warned that the water level in the Gomti River might rise further, necessitating the release of more water from the Dambur hydroelectric project. By 8:35 am local time on Wednesday, one of the three dam gates had already been opened.

The Gomti River, which originates in Tripura and flows about 150 km, enters Bangladesh through Cumilla. Consequently, the opening of the Dambur dam gates has led to a surge of water into the Cumilla region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rain in Tripura for two more days, attributing the persistent downpour to low-pressure systems in central and neighboring areas of Bangladesh.