River levels across various parts of Bangladesh are rising due to the persistent influence of the rain belt ‘Rimjhim,’ raising concerns of potential flooding in multiple districts.
According to a forecast from the Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT), consistent rainfall is expected to continue in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram divisions, as well as in many parts of the Dhaka division. The forecast warns that some areas may experience heavy rainfall.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across the country due to the active southwest monsoon and strong weather conditions over the northern Bay of Bengal. The forecast, signed by meteorologist Md. Shahinul Islam, covers the next 120 hours from Thursday morning and suggests that rainfall will persist in many parts of the country during this period.
The weather bulletin indicates that a well-marked low-pressure system, currently located over northeastern Jharkhand and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal, is influencing weather patterns. Its extended through stretches into the northern Bay of Bengal. The monsoon trough spans from Bihar, through the low-pressure center, across southern Bangladesh, and up to Assam. The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and is strong over the northern Bay.
Due to the influence of ‘Rimjhim,’ water levels in rivers across the country have started to rise. In Sunamganj, all rivers are swelling, and several villages have already been inundated. Heavy rainfall in India’s Meghalaya and Assam regions, combined with mountain runoff, has increased water levels in rivers flowing through Sherpur and Jamalpur, causing localized waterlogging.
In Chattogram, continuous heavy rainfall has resulted in widespread waterlogging. There are growing concerns of landslides in the hilly districts of Bandarban, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. Water levels in the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have risen significantly, prompting local authorities to enhance safety measures for tourists.
Rain has been intermittent but persistent in Mongla and the Sundarbans area for the past three days, disrupting container handling operations at the port. Waterlogging has also been reported in several parts of Khulna city.
In Tangail, the water level of the Jamuna River is rising at Bhuyapur and Gopalpur points, posing flood risks to adjacent villages.
With continuous rainfall forecasted for the next several days, authorities remain on alert for potential flooding, landslides, and other rain-related hazards across vulnerable regions.