Tidal surge swamps coastal areas
Staff Reporter :
A deep depression sweeping through the Bay of Bengal made landfall along the Bangladesh-India coastline on Thursday afternoon, triggering heavy rains, tidal surges, and the suspension of all launch services from Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the depression began crossing between Khepupara in Patuakhali and India’s Sagar Island around 3:30 PM, coinciding with the new moon phase.
This intensified its impact on the coastal belt, inundating vast low-lying areas and submerging parts of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), responding to worsening weather conditions, announced the suspension of all launch operations from Sadarghat River Port at 3 PM, citing public safety concerns.
The sudden halt caught many passengers off guard, especially those traveling from or to southern districts like Barishal, Bhola, and Patuakhali.
“We’re headed to Amtali in Patuakhali. Came to Dhaka for medical treatment two days ago. Had no idea the launches were suspended,” said Shahid, a businessman, waiting at the terminal with his son. “We’ll wait till night. If the launches don’t operate, we’ll have to find a boarding house.”
While some passengers returned home, others rushed to alternative bus terminals such as Sayedabad, hoping to catch road transport despite the rain. A few chose to stay behind at the flooded terminal, holding out hope for a late-night resumption of services.
The Met Office confirmed that tidal surges between 2 to 4 feet above normal had begun inundating low-lying areas across 14 southern districts, including Chattogram, Noakhali, Bhola, Barguna, Khulna, Satkhira, Barishal, and Patuakhali, as well as offshore islands and chars. Residents reported submerged farmlands and blocked roads in parts of these districts.
In Sundarbans, water levels surged up to 80 centimeters, temporarily submerging large forest sections by midday. Officials said no immediate reports of harm to wildlife had been confirmed, though monitoring efforts were ongoing.
A forest department official said their Karamjal Wildlife Reproduction Centre remained unaffected but emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
Weather Alerts and Warnings Issued As the depression intensified early Thursday morning, the maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of its center reached 50 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h.
The sea turned moderate to rough near the depression zone, prompting the Met Office to hoist Cautionary Signal No. 3 at Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating over the North Bay have been strongly advised to remain in shelter until further notice. Inland river ports in Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions were also advised to hoist Cautionary Signal No. 2, with forecasts of gusty winds reaching up to 80 km/h during thundershowers.
Heavy rainfall was reported across the country, with Teknaf recording the highest at 61mm. In contrast, Dimla in Rangpur reported the highest temperature at 37°C.
The BMD warned of the possibility of landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram due to continuous downpours.
Rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend, easing gradually from Sunday.