Rain warning raises alarm in capital
Following the recent devastating flood, the weather office has once again warned another spell of flood and chances of waterlogging in the capital as there is forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall across seven divisions over the next 45 hours.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the forecast will remain effect from 11am for the next 48 hours due to an active monsoon and warn that rising river levels could inundate low lying areas in several districts.
The BMD said Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet divisions are likely to receive heavy rainfall ranging from 44mm to 88mm within 24 hours at places, while some areas could experience very heavy rainfall exceeding 88mm.
The department warned that intense rainfall may trigger temporary waterlogging in different parts of Dhaka, raising concerns over fresh disruption to transport and daily life in the capital, which has repeatedly suffered from poor drainage during recent downpours.
The warning comes as the country is still recovering from devastating floods and waterlogging earlier this month that affected more than 1.11 million people across several districts.
The FFWC said heavy rainfall and rising upstream river flows could trigger fresh flooding in at least seven districts over the next 24 to 72 hours.
According to its latest bulletin, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are expected to rise over the next three days, with some monitoring stations likely to cross the danger level within 24 to 48 hours.
This could cause short term flooding in low lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram.
In the north eastern region, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers have continued to increase and may exceed danger levels within the next 72 hours, potentially creating fresh flooding or prolonging existing inundation in parts of Sylhet and Sunamganj.
The FFWC also said water levels in the Brahmaputra Jamuna and Ganges Padma river systems are rising and are expected to continue increasing over the next five days.
Between July 20 and July 22, river levels at some points in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura, Sirajganj and Tangail could reach warning levels, inundating adjacent low lying areas.
Meanwhile, higher than normal tidal conditions are prevailing in several coastal rivers, including the Kirtankhola, Lower Meghna, Pashur, Ichamati, Karnaphuli, Little Feni and Noakhali Khal rivers, increasing the risk of waterlogging in coastal districts.
Earlier this month, relentless monsoon rain and upstream runoff caused severe flooding across Chattogram, Sylhet, Bandarban, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, while Dhaka experienced widespread waterlogging after torrential rain overwhelmed the city’s drainage system.
Major roads, residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas in the capital were submerged, disrupting traffic, public transport and business activities.
Chattogram recorded one of its heaviest July rainfalls in decades, triggering flash floods and landslides, while swollen rivers inundated vast areas in Sylhet division.
According to the latest government situation reports, more than 1.11 million people have been affected by the floods, while nearly 60 people have died and dozens were injured.
The floods also caused extensive damage to agriculture and livestock. Thousands of hectares of standing crops were submerged, causing significant losses to farmers, while the fisheries sector suffered heavy damage as ponds and fish enclosures were washed away.
Large numbers of cattle and other livestock were also lost or affected, further worsening the economic hardship for rural communities.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable and low lying areas to remain alert as heavy rainfall and rising river levels could lead to fresh flooding over the coming days.
Emergency agencies have been asked to monitor the evolving situation and take necessary preparedness measures.
