The recent opening of gates at India’s Dambur hydroelectric project in Tripura has unleashed a torrent of upstream water, severely impacting Bangladesh’s bordering districts, including Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni. The sudden surge has led to significant flooding in these regions, affecting thousands of residents.
According to Indian media, four major rivers in Tripura—Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri, and Khoai—have exceeded their boundaries due to incessant rainfall, forcing over 5,600 families to evacuate to safer areas. Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey reported that the heavy rains have particularly devastated Tripura’s South Tripura and Gomti districts. Rainfall in the past 24 hours reached critical levels, with 375.8 mm recorded in Bagafa, 324.4 mm in Belonia, and 307.14 mm in Amarpur.
As of 4 pm on Tuesday, the Howrah River’s waters had entered Brahmanbaria, the Dhalai River flowed into Moulvibazar, the Muhuri River surged into Feni, and the Khoai River spilled into Sylhet. Khowai District Magistrate Chandni Chandran highlighted severe flooding in two sub-divisions, urging residents to avoid rivers and landslide-prone areas.
In the Gomti district, authorities have warned that the water levels in the Gomti River may continue to rise, potentially requiring the release of more water from the Dambur hydroelectric project. By 8:35 am on Wednesday, one of the three dam gates had already been opened, leading to an increased flow of water into the Cumilla region of Bangladesh.
The Gomti River, originating in Tripura and flowing for about 150 km, enters Bangladesh through Cumilla, making the region particularly vulnerable. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued heavy rainfall in Tripura over the next two days due to persistent low-pressure systems in central and neighboring areas of Bangladesh.
Local authorities in both India and Bangladesh are on high alert, closely monitoring the situation as the threat of further flooding looms. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines.