Launch services suspended on six Bhola river routes as tidal water rises above danger level

Passenger launch services on six internal river routes in Bhola have been suspended as continuous rainfall, gusty winds and unusually high tides triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal pushed the Meghna River 72 centimetres above the danger level at Monpura and Tazumuddin upazilas.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) said the rivers had turned rough due to the prevailing adverse weather, prompting the suspension of launch services and continued restrictions on the movement of small vessels.

The district has been experiencing intermittent light to heavy rainfall under overcast skies since Wednesday morning. 

Bhola Meteorological Office observer Md Mahabubur Rahman told BSS that 53.5 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours and the rain and gusty winds may persist for the next few days under the influence of the low-pressure system.

Water Development Board Superintending Engineer Md Hasanuzzaman said the Meghna River was flowing 72 centimetres above the danger level at Monpura and Tazumuddin and that the situation was under constant monitoring with necessary preparedness in place.

With Local Warning Signal No. 3 remaining in force for seaports and Warning Signal No. 1 for inland river ports, launch services on six internal routes, including Bhola-Monpura and Bhola-Hakimuddin, have been suspended.

A visit to the island upazila of Monpura found houses, roads and croplands inundated in several unions. 

Rainwater has remained stagnant in many low-lying fields, submerging newly transplanted Aman seedlings in some areas and turning others yellow because of excessive moisture.

Local farmers said tidal inundation, waterlogging and rising cultivation costs were making farming increasingly difficult and disrupting normal life.

South Sakuchia Union administrator and public health engineer Md Ashraf Hossain said canals should remain free of obstructions to allow rain and tidal water to drain naturally and help protect agricultural land.

BIWTA Assistant Director at Bhola River Port Nirmal Kumar Roy said the suspension was imposed to ensure passenger safety, although ferry and passenger launch services on the Ilisha-Lakshmipur-Dhaka route were operating almost normally. 

He added that fishing activities had also been disrupted, with fishermen staying off the Bay and adjacent rivers, while fishing boats and other small vessels had been instructed not to operate.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Shamim Rahman said upazila executive officers had been directed to closely monitor the situation, while the district administration and other authorities remained on alert. 

BIWTA also urged river passengers and vessel operators to remain cautious until weather conditions improve. 

As of 6pm, stormy and gusty winds continued across different parts of the district.