Country: Bangladesh Sources: Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Risk Analysis On 23 April 2026, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) issued a seven‐day conceptual forecast highlighting significant pre‐monsoon flash flood risks across the Haor regions of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrokona, with the risk window beginning on 28 April and expected to persist until 3 May. Hydrological monitoring between 26 and 28 April showed rising water levels in the Surma‐Kushiyara, Dhanu‐Baulai, and Bhugai‐Kangsha rivers, though all remained below pre‐monsoon danger thresholds. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has already been observed across the Haor basin and upstream catchments, contributing to rapid hydrological fluctuations. Forecasts from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and global agencies project heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days, with ECMWF modeling indicating a seven‐day cumulative rainfall of approximately 300 mm, peaking at 81 mm/day on 29 April. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a heavy rainfall alert for Assam and Meghalaya through 30 April, raising the risk of increased upstream inflows into the Sylhet basin. FFWC forecasts suggest rapid rises in the Surma‐Kushiyara, Manu‐Khowai, and Dhanu‐Baulai/Bhugai‐Kangsha rivers, with potential to exceed pre‐monsoon danger levels within 72 hours. Flash flood guidance for 28 April to 4 May indicates activation areas in Monu, Juri, Kamalganj, Ballah, and Sutang RB in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts, where significant flash flood conditions are expected, including localized flooding, sudden increases in flow, and overtopping of low‐lying areas. Pre‐activation has been indicated for Gowainghat, Muslimpur, Laurergarh, Khaliajhuri, Nakugaon, Jariajhanjail, Bijoypur, Amalshid, Sylhet, Sheola, and Fenchuganj, with hydrological model guidance pointing to increasing flood concern in the Surma‐Kushiyara river system, particularly between 1 and 4 May. Extended forecasts from FFWC and RIMES suggest that water levels in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj will continue to rise over the next three days, with the Surma, Kushiyara, Khoai, and Juri rivers and their tributaries likely to flow above danger levels by 30 April. Flooding is expected in low‐lying areas adjacent to rivers in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, and Habiganj, while accumulated rainfall projections from ECMWF and GLOFAS indicate possible flood impacts extending to Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, and Feni. These conditions increase the likelihood of localized flash flooding, crop damage, infrastructure disruption, and displacement risks for vulnerable communities. Request For Assistance Government Requests International Assistance No NS Requests International Assistance No Information Bulletin Published No Actions taken by National Society General Other Pre-positioning of Stocks Activation / Mobilization of Volunteers Summary The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has activated preparedness measures across nine districts: Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni. Actions undertaken include- – The deployment of trained volunteers on standby for early warning dissemination and evacuation support, – The pre‐positioning of emergency relief items in high‐risk areas, – Close coordination with local authorities, stakeholders, and RCRC Movement partners to ensure effective information sharing and readiness, and – Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts, river conditions, and local early warning updates is being maintained to guide timely response. Actions taken by Federation General Movement Coordination Monitor Situation Summary The IFRC is closely monitoring the evolving situation and actively engaging in the Anticipatory Actions Working Group, as well as the Shelter Cluster and Food Security Cluster meetings. In parallel, it is coordinating closely with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and in‐country partners to ensure effective preparedness and response. Actions taken by others In response to the flash flood warnings for the Northeastern Haor region in April 2026, the Government of Bangladesh has mobilized a series of proactive and emergency measures across multiple departments. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), together with local administrations, has launched extensive awareness campaigns using loudspeakers and community networks to alert farmers about the impending floods. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has activated a central control room (accessible at +8801318234962 and other lines) to collect and disseminate real‐time data to field offices and the public. Specialized forecasts have been shared with the DAE and district administrations to ensure early warning messages reach the “last mile, ” including individual farmers and fishers. In parallel, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) established a central control room on 28 April 2026 to monitor river levels and embankment stability. BWDB engineers are closely inspecting embankments across the Northeastern region, with emergency repairs already reported following localized breaches in areas such as Madhyanagar, Sunamganj. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has committed to allocating necessary budgets for Sylhet and Mymensingh, based on the requirements identified by District Administrators. As part of anticipatory actions, development organizations have also initiated targeted interventions. In Sunamganj, BRAC has reached 250 people in Derai with multi‐purpose cash grants (MPCG), while World Vision Bangladesh has supported 1, 500 people in Tahirpur Upazila. Caritas, CNR, and Islamic Relief Bangladesh are in the process of reaching more than 33, 000 people with MPCG across multiple locations, including Durgapur and Kalmakanda in Netrokona district; Tahirpur and Jamalganj in Sunamganj district; and Barlekha, Juri, Kanaighat, Gowainghat, and Companiganj in Sylhet district.
BGD: Pluvial/Flash Flood – 04-2026 – Bangladesh Flash Flood
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