Torrential rains batter lives as flood alarms ring out
The monsoon, which remains highly active over the North Bay of Bengal, is expected to persist in the coming days
Highlights:
- Deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal causing severe weather
- Light to moderate showers, thunderstorms forecasted
- Winds in Dhaka blowing at 10-15 km/h
- 90% of Cox's Bazar now waterlogged
- Six people killed in Cox's Bazar landslides on Friday
- Continuous rain disrupts Barishal launch services
- Rising river levels heighten flooding concerns in Dhaka
Torrential rainfall continues to wreak havoc across Bangladesh, with more downpours forecasted for the next 24 hours, says Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The severe weather, caused by a deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal, has led to landslides, heavy waterlogging, and significant challenges for communities, particularly in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar.
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In addition, rising water levels in rivers across Dhaka, Barishal, and Khulna divisions have raised concerns about potential flooding.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), though all major rivers are currently flowing below danger levels, the heavy rain forecasted over the next 24 hours could cause rivers to swell, particularly in coastal and central regions.
The BMD has issued warnings of further heavy rainfall across various regions of Bangladesh, predicting light to moderate showers and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in areas including Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Mymensingh divisions.
The monsoon, which remains highly active over the North Bay of Bengal, is expected to persist in the coming days.
Winds in Dhaka are forecasted to blow from the south or southeast at speeds of 10-15 km/h, with occasional gusts. Both day and night temperatures are anticipated to remain stable.
However, the continuous rainfall is already impacting day-to-day activities, especially in Dhaka and other areas.
Dhaka, the capital, is bearing the brunt of the relentless rains, causing widespread disruption to daily life. Commuters, students, and workers are all struggling with waterlogged streets and increased transportation challenges.
Although the city's main roads have remained passable, smaller alleyways and side streets are submerged under water, creating muddy, treacherous conditions.
Government employees, university students, and others reliant on public transport have experienced similar challenges.
Meanwhile, street vendors, rickshaw drivers, and the homeless have faced immense hardship. Many homeless people were seen huddling under plastic sheets throughout the night in an attempt to shield themselves from the continuous downpour.
In Cox's Bazar, a coastal district renowned for tourism, continuous rainfall over three days has triggered landslides, claiming the lives of at least six people on Friday.
According to the BMD, the region recorded 501 mm of rain in just 24 hours on the day, marking the highest single-day rainfall since 2015.
Ninety percent of Cox's Bazar is now waterlogged, with more than 100 villages submerged. Local authorities are scrambling to provide relief, but the situation remains dire. "This is the heaviest rainfall we've experienced in years," said Abdul Hannan, an assistant meteorologist in Cox's Bazar.
The heavy rains have caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure. Several key roads and bridges have become impassable due to flooding, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilises.
In Barishal division, continuous rainfall has persisted for over 36 hours due to the prevailing low-pressure system, causing severe hardship for residents. Major roads and markets in Barishal city are submerged.
However, since there have been no major warnings since Saturday, launch services on all routes, including Barishal-Dhaka and internal routes, have resumed.
The Barishal river port is displaying a No. 1 warning signal, while Payra sea port has a No. 3 warning signal. Barishal recorded 177 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
The low-pressure system was expected to dissipate by today, with the situation likely returning to normal today.
'Risk of flooding'
Meanwhile, rivers in Dhaka, Barishal, and Khulna are experiencing rising water levels due to the deep depression affecting the region, said an FFWC official. "We expect heavy rainfall of between 44 mm and 88 mm in the next day, which could increase the risk of flooding."
The situation in Chattogram division, however, appears to be stabilising. Water levels in the Feni, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers are decreasing, and the trend of heavy rainfall is expected to ease in the coming days.
The Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers are also seeing a gradual decline in water levels, with predictions indicating they will continue to fall over the next five days. The Ganges and Padma rivers remain stable but could see slight increases in the coming days.
Meanwhile, in the Rangpur division, the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are stable, with water levels expected to slowly decrease over the next three days. Rivers in Sylhet, such as the Surma and Kushiara, are also experiencing declining water levels.
