S A Shofiee, Sylhet

The local administration of Sylhet district has reopened several tourist spots, including Jaflong and Ratargul Swamp Forest, to visitors from this afternoon following improvements in the flood situation.

Tourists, tour operators, and boatmen at these locations have been instructed to comply with directives from the administration to ensure safety and order.

The Upazila Tourism Committee previously decided to reopen the tourist spots, contingent on favorable weather conditions in the district.

A team from the Gowainghat upazila administration, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Saidul Islam, inspected the Jaflong tourist spot on June 21 and June 22.

Boat owners and operators have been instructed to provide adequate life jackets for passengers to ensure their safety while traveling by boat and other vessels, according to Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Touhidul Islam.

Additionally, individuals under the age of 12 are prohibited from traveling by boat in Jaflong. Tourist police have been directed to ensure the security of all visitors.

All tourist spots in Sylhet were initially closed on June 18 following a deterioration in the flood situation, as directed by Sylhet Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mobarak Hossain.

Earlier, the Upazila Tourist Development Committee, led by its convener, decided on May 30 to close all tourist spots due to the first phase of flooding. These locations were later reopened on June 7.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Surma River in the city has fallen and is now flowing three centimeters below the danger level and the water has begun to recede from various houses, prompting some families to return home from shelters.

However, the slow drainage due to clogged and unconnected drains in Sylhet city has created unsanitary conditions, with dirty water accumulating in many homes.

Shah Md. Sajib Hossain, Assistant Meteorologist at Sylhet Weather Office, said that the district experienced only 2mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours till 6am Saturday. No rainfall was recorded after this period. He, however, said, in the next three days, temporary gusty or stormy winds accompanied by rain or thunderstorms may occur in the Sylhet region at speeds of 45-60 kmph from the south or southeast.

While the floodwater is receding, heavy rainfall could once again worsen the situation, exacerbating the hardships for those returning to their homes from the shelters. Any increase in water levels would severely impact these individuals, he said.

As of Saturday morning, the water level of the Surma River at the Sylhet point has fallen below the danger level, flowing at 10.74 centimeters below it. On Friday, the water level at this point was 9 centimeters above the danger line.