Downpour likely to continue nationwide until Saturday; Ctg records 237.5mm of rain in 24hrs

Heavy rainfall continues across Bangladesh under the influence of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and active monsoon conditions, with Chattogram recording 237.5 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours until 10am today (8 July).

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep local cautionary signal number three hoisted as squally weather may affect the North Bay.

Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 to 72 hours could further raise river water levels and trigger flooding in several regions.

Rainfall is expected to continue across various parts of the country through Saturday (11 July), according to the reports.

Chattogram records 237.5mm rainfall, waterlogging, transport disruptions hit 

Continuous heavy rainfall under the active monsoon has brought Chattogram to a virtual standstill.

Over the past 24 hours, Chattogram Division recorded extremely heavy rainfall, while Sylhet and Barishal divisions experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Yesterday (7 July), a total of 412 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Chattogram city in the 24 hours until 3pm, surpassing the previous record of 411 millimetres set on 4 August, 1983.

Mohammad Abdur Rahman Khan, deputy director of the Weather and Geophysical Centre in Chattogram, told The Business Standard that active monsoon conditions may bring intermittent heavy to very heavy rainfall for at least two more days, although the monsoon low-pressure system has moved towards Jharkhand and Odisha in India.

He added that maritime ports have been advised to display local cautionary signal number three and warned of possible minor flooding in Chattogram's rivers.

Three days of torrential rain have caused widespread waterlogging, disrupting road transport, cargo unloading at Chattogram Port, and rail services between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.

The Parjatak Express has been cancelled, while other trains are operating only up to Chattogram.

Although flight operations at Shah Amanat International Airport have returned to normal.

The continued rainfall has heightened landslide risks, with six people dead yesterday in separate wall collapse and landslide incidents in Rangunia of Chattogram, Baghaichhari of Rangamati and Cox's Bazar.

Due to the adverse weather, HSC and equivalent examinations scheduled in Chattogram and Rangamati under the Chattogram Education Board have been postponed.

The Chattogram City Corporation has closed all educational institutions under its jurisdiction today and tomorrow, while Chittagong University has suspended classes and examinations.

Chattogram District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mohammad Masudur Rahman told The Business Standard that around 3,000 families stayed overnight at shelters as moderate to very heavy rainfall inundated low-lying areas, causing temporary waterlogging.

He said the district has 629 shelters, with eight additional emergency shelters on standby.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has banned tourist visits to all waterfalls in Mirsharai upazila until Friday to prevent rain-related accidents.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four days in the Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions, as well as adjoining upstream areas of India, including Meghalaya and Tripura.

Dhaka's air quality improves amid rainfall 

Dhaka ranked 22nd among the world's most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 77 at 9:15am.

According to the AQI scale, the city's air quality was classified as "Moderate", indicating that the air is generally acceptable for most people, although unusually sensitive individuals may experience moderate health concerns.

Maritime warning issued

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep local cautionary signal number three (R) hoisted as squally weather may affect the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas.

All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the well-marked low over East Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas has moved northwestwards and now lies over Northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas.

The system is likely to move further west-northwestwards and gradually weaken. However, its influence has created a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas, resulting in persistent rainfall and squally weather.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), water levels have already risen in several rivers across the Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions and may increase further over the next three days.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall during the next 24 to 72 hours could cause rapid rises in rivers across the northeastern, eastern, southeastern and northern regions.

The FFWC warned that rivers in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram may exceed danger levels, triggering short-term flooding.

Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan said the flash flood situation could persist for about three days before conditions begin improving from Saturday.

Although all major rivers are currently flowing below danger levels, the FFWC warned that the Teesta River may cross the danger level within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara, Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Dudhkumar and Dharla rivers are also expected to rise rapidly.