Heavy monsoon rains continue across southern parts of the country, triggered by a low currently hovering over the Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining areas.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Tuesday said that this has intensified seasonal monsoon activity, especially over coastal and southeastern districts. As a result, all regions of the country are witnessing rainfall, ranging from light to very heavy.
This has already resulted in several areas in the capital and other major cities experiencing waterlogging, with roads submerged under a concoction of rainwater and sewage, causing immense suffering to city-dwellers, especially commuters.
“This is still within the range of seasonal rainfall,” said meteorologist Afroza Sultana, noting that 222mm of rain was recorded in Feni, 110mm in Patuakhali, and 62mm in Maijdee Court between 6am and 12 noon on Tuesday.
According to the District Meteorological Office, Feni recorded 347 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to noon on Tuesday, resulting in the highest single-day rainfall recorded in the current monsoon season.
Md Mojibur Rahman, acting officer of the Feni Meteorological Office, confirmed the information, stating: “Moderate to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue in Feni over the next two days as well.”
On Monday, Cox’s Bazar experienced the highest daily rainfall with 157mm. Over 100mm of rain was also recorded in Hatiya, Sandwip, Feni (Chattogram), Mongla (Khulna), and Khepupara (Barishal).
Coastal and maritime areas are under heightened alert with squally winds expected over the north Bay and adjacent seaports. BMD has hoisted local warning signal No 3 for the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra.
The Met Office further warned of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” over Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Barishal divisions in the next 24 hours. Landslides are possible in the hilly areas of Chattogram, while temporary waterlogging may disrupt parts of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna cities.
In response to growing concerns, Bangladesh’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) stated that there is no immediate risk of flooding.
“Our major rivers – Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Ganges, Padma, Surma, and Kushiyara – are all flowing below danger levels,” said FFWC Executive Engineer Sardar Uday Raihan.
Only the Muhuri in Feni and the Sangu in Chattogram-Bandarban could approach alert levels if rain continues, he noted.
Still, another 24 to 48 hours of rainfall is expected before water levels stabilise.
“There’s no upstream flooding in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Bihar, or Uttar Pradesh,” Raihan added. “So, while localised river swells may occur, widespread flooding is unlikely.”
Echoing the view, meteorologist Afroza Sultana said the lack of rain in the northern catchment areas means minimal overall risk of floods, at least for now.”