Meghna, 2 other rivers flowing above danger level in Barishal, disrupts public life amid waterlogging

Due to heavy rainfall and a persistent low over the northwestern Bay, three major rivers in Barishal division flowed above the danger level today (9 July).

In addition, most of the rivers in the division are experiencing higher than normal tides, sources from the Water Development Board say.

In the past 24 hours till 12pm today, 159 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Barishal division, Barishal weather observatory office in-charge Anisur Rahman told TBS.

He said the ongoing squally weather is likely to persist for the next one to two days.

Tajul Islam, deputy assistant engineer of the Water Research Department, Barishal, told TBS that the Bishkhali river in Jhalakathi is flowing 16cm above the danger level, while water in the Surma and Meghna rivers in Bhola is flowing 62cm above the danger mark at Tajumuddin point.

In addition, the Payra river is flowing 43cm above the danger level at Miraganj point.   

Tajul said due to continuous rain and rising river levels for five days, water has entered homesteads and crop fields in coastal areas. "River erosion may occur in these areas when the water starts to recede."

However, the rising water level and rain will not trigger any flooding situation, he added.

Meanwhile, the incessant rainfall for the past few days has triggered waterlogging in Barishal city and in the vicinities of its proximity, disrupting road communication and leading to immense suffering for the public.

In addition to coastal and croplands, severe waterlogging has occurred in localities and roads. Homesteads on the riverbanks in the division, especially in Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur districts, have been submerged.

As a result, many, including service holders and students, are tied to stay indoors and unbale to move for their usual activities. Due to lack of work amid the prevailing weather, people of the low-income group in various districts of the division are hit hardest. 

"There has been a lack of passengers for the past four or five days. It has been raining all day. So, people are not stepping out," said Bellal Mia, a rickshaw-puller in Barishal city. 

Meanwhile, Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has started a cleanliness drive to keep the drains flowing.

BCC Cleaning Officer Yusuf Ali shared with TBS that currently, waterlogging is occurring in the city due to the rise in water level of the Kirtankhola river. "Water from the river is flowing into the city through the drain."