Heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Gomti River have intensified concerns over potential flooding in Comilla, with nearly 4,000 hectares of farmland already submerged.

Since the early hours of Wednesday, persistent rain and water inflows have significantly raised the river’s level. Locals fear that despite the current water level being below the danger mark, it may soon breach its banks.

Residents living along the Gomti River said that this is the highest water level seen in a decade. Thousands of families in flood-prone areas have taken refuge on embankments as the water continues to rise.

Cumilla Meteorological Office recorded 79 millimetres of rainfall from Tuesday noon to Wednesday noon, with further rain expected in the next 72 hours.

As of 10:30 am on Wednesday, the Gomti River’s water level was 22 centimetres below the danger mark, according to Md Abdul Latif, Executive Engineer of the Comilla Water Development Board (WDB).

In several areas, including Banashua, Palpara, Ratnabati, and Tikkarchar, waves from the Gomti River have inundated thousands of acres of vegetable fields. Many residents have left their homes to seek temporary shelter on embankments.

Local farmer Abul Kalam said that his 120 decimal plot of land has been submerged. Nawab Mia from Kamarakhada said his crops of bean and pumpkin are now underwater.

Rahim Mia from Jaluapara stated that he invested Tk1 lakh in planting ridge gourd, sponge gourd and bitter gourd, but his seedlings are now submerged due to the rising floodwater.

In Tikkarchar, over a hundred families are sheltering on city protection embankments, with some riverbank areas already under water. Chonpur resident Sohel Mia had to evacuate with only essential items and is now salvaging furniture from his water-damaged home.

Romen Sharma, Executive Officer of Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, has been monitoring the conditions of Gomti River and reported that local efforts are underway to reinforce damaged embankments with earth and sandbags.

The ongoing three-day rainfall, combined with water inflow from the Kakri, Paguli, and Salda rivers from India, has increased fears of widespread flooding in Cumilla.

Ayub Mahmood, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Cumilla, said the floodwater has caused significant damage to crops in the district.

“The extent of the damage will be assessed once the waters recede. An emergency meeting with agricultural officials has been convened to address the situation,” he added.