Water levels in Sylhet's Surma and Kushiyara rivers have crossed the danger level due to heavy rainfall over the past three days and onrush of upstream water, triggering fears of flood in the region.

According to Water Development Board (WDB) district office, on Sunday morning, the Surma was flowing 79 centimetres above the danger level at Kanaighat point, while the Kushiyara was flowing 93 centimetres above the danger mark at Amalshid point in Zakiganj upazila.

Water levels in other rivers in the region were also nearing danger levels at various points, the WDB report said.

The local Met office reported 404.8 millimetres of rainfall in  24 hours till Sunday morning, with an additional 14 millimetres recorded between 6am and 9am.

“This is the highest single-day rainfall in Sylhet so far this season,” said Shah Md Sajib Hossain, a meteorologist at the Sylhet Met Office.

At 9am on Sunday, the Surma was flowing 79 centimetres above danger level at Kanaighat, a sharp rise from Saturday 6pm when it was 29 centimetres below the danger mark.

Flashfloods likely in low-lying areas of 6 divisions: FFWC

The Kushiyara river was flowing 93 centimetres above danger level at Amalshid point in Zakiganj upazila, a drastic increase from 187 centimetres below the danger level on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the Surma was flowing 49 centimetres below the danger level at the Sylhet point, while the Kushiyara was 38 centimetres and 27 centimetres below the danger mark at Sheola point in Beanibazar and Fenchuganj points respectively at 9am.

Besides, heavy rains have led to waterlogging in several areas of Sylhet city including Subidbazar and Dakkhin Surma.

Low-lying areas in Gowainghat, Zakiganj, and Kanaighat upazilas have also been inundated.

Sylhet City Corporation has set up a control room to monitor the waterlogging and provide emergency support and the district administration has directed all Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to remain on high alert.