Two more days of heavy rain, landslides feared as deep depression moves inland

Bangladesh is bracing for two more days of heavy rain and landslide risks as a deep depression that developed over the Bay of Bengal moves further inland, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Thursday.

In a special weather bulletin, it said the depression crossed the coast and is now positioned over Satkhira and surrounding areas as a land system.

Under its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions from Thursday evening for the next 48 hours.

The bulletin also warned that Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions may experience heavy showers over the following 24 hours.

With torrential rainfall forecast, the BMD issued a landslide warning for the southeastern hill districts of Chattogram, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bandarban, and Cox’s Bazar.

In Dhaka and Chattogram, intense downpours could lead to short-term waterlogging, especially in low-lying urban areas, the Met Office added.

The depression had gradually intensified since forming over the Bay on Tuesday—first as a well-marked low, then a depression, and by Thursday morning, as a deep depression.

While it is expected to weaken gradually while moving north or northeast, it continues to bring gusty winds across the north Bay and coastal areas.

SIGNAL NO. 3 HOISTED AT FOUR PORTS

Signal No. 3 has been hoisted at the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra.

The sea remains rough, and fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay have been advised to remain anchored until further notice.

Due to the new moon and strong onshore winds, tidal surges 1 to 3 feet above normal are likely to inundate low-lying areas and offshore islands in coastal districts, including Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Hatiya, Sandwip, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, and Satkhira.