Chattogram hit by 198mm rainfall in 24 hours; risks of landslide high, sea turbulent, flights disrupted
Rainfall is likely to continue for another two days, says met office
Highlights:
- Chattogram records 198mm rain in 24 hours due to deep depression
- Strong winds delay flight operations at Shah Amanat International Airport
- Rough sea, broken embankments causes water to enter land areas
- Container collapses at SAPL depot, killing four cattle
- Fallen trees temporarily halts traffic on Chattogram-Kaptai road
Chattogram has recorded 198 millimetres of rainfall in the past 24 hours due to the influence of a deep depression formed in the Bay of Bengal.
Winds remained strong, and flight operations have experienced delays due to adverse weather conditions. The rough sea also caused water to enter land areas as embankments broke.
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"The deep depression that formed in the sea crossed the coastline yesterday evening (29 May). Currently, it is positioned over the Rajshahi region on land. The depression has caused extremely heavy rainfall. The sea remains rough," said Meteorologist Md Ismail Bhuiyan of Patenga Meteorological Office.
"In the 24 hours until 12pm Friday, Chattogram recorded 198 millimetres of rainfall. In the 48 hours before the same time, 240 millimetres of rainfall occurred. Rainfall is likely to continue for another two days," he added.
Continuous heavy rainfall has raised concerns about landslides in Chattogram and surrounding areas, he said.
"Due to thunderclouds, stormy winds, and reduced cloud ceiling, authorities at Shah Amanat International Airport have been advised to exercise caution during aircraft take-offs and landings," Ismail said.
Shah Amanat International Airport's Public Relations Officer Ibrahim Khalil said flights are being delayed due to adverse weather.
"Flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, BG147 route was Dhaka to Chattogram to Dubai diverted to Dhaka at 21:44 last night. Then returned to Chattogram at 4:16am and departed for Dubai at 5:31am," he said.
While container loading-unloading and delivery at Chattogram Port's main jetty remain normal despite adverse conditions, many lighter vessels have moved to safe shelter upstream in the Karnaphuli River without unloading cargo at the outer anchorage despite having serial numbers.
Captains of large foreign ships have stopped cargo unloading (lightering) to smaller vessels due to accident concerns in the rough currents.
Meanwhile, embankments have broken in Chattogram's Anwara, allowing water to enter. Some areas of Hathazari have been flooded.
Many tin roofs blew away by strong winds on the city's Akmal Ali Road. Trees fell in several places.
In adverse weather at Patenga, a Summit Alliance Port Limited (SAPL) depot container collapsed onto the adjacent Rizwan Farm, causing cracks in the building and immediately killing four cattle there.
Two ships were washed ashore at Patenga sea beach due to strong waves and currents.
Due to the heavy rainfall, two trees fell in the area adjacent to the thermal power plant on the main Chattogram-Kaptai road, and one tree fell on the road in the Mariamnagar Katakhali area of the same road, temporarily halting traffic.
Upon receiving the news, fire service teams removed the trees from the road to normalise traffic flow.
"There hasn't been much waterlogging in the city. Waterlogging occurred only at the construction site of the footover bridge on Kaptai Road. I've asked this to be resolved," said Sheikh Muhammad Tawhidul Islam, chief executive officer of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC).
"We may evacuate residents living in risky hill areas tomorrow," he added.
