Normalcy returning in Brahmaputra basin

Normalcy started in flood-affected areas as many displaced people are returning homes following improvement of the situation in the Brahmaputra basin Wednesday.

Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) officials said water levels of major rivers marked further falls to flow below the danger level (DL) at all points as the rate of onrushing waters continues reducing from the upstream.

The improving trend in the flood situation may continue with further recession in water levels of major rivers during the next 72 hours amid reports of less monsoon rains in the upstream during the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of riverbank erosion are being reported from different points alongside major rivers due to stronger river current with recession of floodwater in the basin.

Water levels of the Brahmaputra marked further falls by 13cm at Noonkhawa, 21cm at Hatia and 18cm at Chilmari while Dharla marked fall by 29cm at Kurigram and Ghagot by 20cm at Gaibandha points during the last 24 hours.

Water levels of the Jamuna marked further falls by 24cm at Fulchhari, 17cm at Shaghata, 20cm at Bahadurabad, 21cm at Sariakandi, 20cm at Kazipur and 19cm at Sirajganj points during the period.