Tripura braces for 2 more days of heavy rain, prolonged floods feared

Heavy floods have swept through the Indian state of Tripura due to continuous rainfall over the past several days, impacting Feni, Cumilla, and Noakhali districts in Bangladesh. 

The Chattogram region is also experiencing heavy rain, and with all floodgates of India's Dumbur hydroelectric project opened, the bordering districts have been severely affected. 

Forecasts indicate that heavy rain will continue in Tripura for the next two days, raising concerns about further deterioration of the flood situation in Bangladesh.

An analysis of the Indian Meteorological Department's website on Thursday (August 22) afternoon showed that Tripura is experiencing heavy rains due to low pressure over central India and neighbouring Bangladesh. Agartala received 233mm of rain in the last 24 hours, while Bilonia recorded 142mm and Manughat 103mm.

Md Rabiul Awal, a lecturer at Dhaka University's Department of Meteorology, told Jago News, "Heavy rains in Tripura have impacted us, causing flash floods here due to the sudden release of the dam water. If the rain continues, water will keep flowing through the dam, further affecting the Cumilla and Noakhali regions."

He also explained that India is currently in its monsoon season and under the influence of La Niña, which typically intensifies or reduces rainfall. 

"As a result, the rains in Tripura are affecting us, and the unannounced opening of the dam has exacerbated flooding in our downstream country," he added.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir noted that the country has been experiencing similar rains for the past few years, with increased rainfall attributed to climate change. 

"Flooding has occurred due to the influx of rainwater from Tripura, India. If the rains in Tripura or upstream regions subside, our flood situation may improve," he said.

The Gumti River, originating in Tripura, India, crosses about 150km before entering Bangladesh through Cumilla. The opening of the Dumbur dam gates has led to water entering the Cumilla region. Additionally, the Howrah River flows through Tripura into Brahmanbaria district in Bangladesh, the Dhalai River flows into Moulvibazar, the Muhuri River into Feni district, and the Khowai River into Sylhet.