Heavy rain, tidal surges trigger flood warnings as deep depression crosses coast
The system has also triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Bangladesh as well as neighbouring Indian states Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam, raising flood risks.
Highlights:
- Tidal surges flood 16 districts due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
- Heavy rain forecast across major divisions, raising flood and landslide risks.
- Rising rivers in northeast, risking short-term flooding in Sylhet, Feni, and more.
- Landslide alert in Chattogram hill districts from continuous rainfall.
- Urban disruption in Dhaka, elsewhere with flooding and transport issues.
- Coastal warnings issued; ports on alert and low-lying areas at flood risk.
A deep low-pressure system that formed over the Bay of Bengal has crossed the coast of Bangladesh, triggering unusually high tidal surges and heavy rainfall in several regions. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) says tidal water levels along the coast are expected to recede starting this morning.
Bite Sized: Which districts are in danger of flooding?
Md Tariful Newaz Kabir, a meteorologist at BMD, told The Business Standard, "The deep depression crossing the coast has now passed between Sagar Island and Khepupara, along the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast. Because of this, 16 coastal districts experienced tidal surges. However, the tide height may decrease by tomorrow (today)."
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The system has also triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Bangladesh as well as neighbouring Indian states Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam, raising flood risks.
Tariful said, "Heavy rainfall of 44-88mm in 24 hours to very heavy rainfall above 88mm in 24 hours is likely across many areas in Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions over the next 48 hours. Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions may see similar rainfall during the next 24 hours starting from 7pm today (yesterday)."
"Due to very heavy rain, landslides may occur in the hilly districts of Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Cox's Bazar. Temporary waterlogging may also affect parts of Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas," he added.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) warns that districts including Feni, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrokona face flooding risks today and tomorrow.
FFWC Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan told TBS, "Water levels in rivers in Feni, Sylhet, and six neighbouring districts are rising due to heavy rain in both Bangladesh and the Indian states of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam.
"River flows may go above normal in the next two days, causing a chance of short-term flooding. However, from 1 June, water levels are expected to recede."
Raihan added, "Although rivers in northern Bangladesh currently hold more water, they remain below flood danger levels."
According to FFWC, river water levels in Chattogram division's Gomati, Muhuri, and Feni rivers may rise steadily over the next two days, with low-lying areas near the Muhuri River in Feni likely to face flooding.
Similarly, in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, water levels of the Sarigoyain, Jadukata, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, and Someshwari rivers are expected to rise, possibly surpassing danger levels during the next three days.
Coastal rivers in Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions may also experience higher-than-usual tidal surges in the coming days due to the combined effect of the deep depression and the new moon phase.
Since Wednesday night, the Noakhali district has seen rain and strong gusty winds. Tidal waters have risen 5 to 6 feet above normal, flooding coastal low-lying areas including Hatiya and Nijhum Dwip. From yesterday morning, tidal waters entered various parts of Hatiya and continued rising through noon, submerging most of Nijhum Dwip, including Namor Bazar and Bondartila Bazar, where many homes were flooded. In Bhola district, rising tides caused embankment breaches in several upazilas, flooding communities.
Dhaka recorded 82mm of rainfall over 12 hours yesterday, from 6am to 6pm. The rain brought slight temperature drops and relief from recent heat, but also caused waterlogging in areas such as Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Paltan, Bangshal, and Gopibagh. Commuters and street vendors adjusted their routines to navigate slippery roads.
Meanwhile, in Barishal district, incessant rain forced the suspension of launch services from yesterday morning. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation halted operations due to continuous rainfall disrupting daily life. Many low-lying parts of Barishal city were flooded, compelling residents to stay indoors.
The BMD bulletin also warned maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 amid gusty or squally weather. Residents in vulnerable coastal districts, including Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakhsmipur, Feni, and others, were advised to prepare for wind-driven tidal surges 1-3 feet above normal high tides, potentially flooding low-lying areas and offshore islands.
