Ctg, Sylhet, Barishal face heavy rainfall: Landslide, flood risk looms

A new wave of heavy rainfall is sweeping across Bangladesh, raising concerns about renewed flooding and landslides in the country’s already vulnerable regions. 

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chattogram, Sylhet, and Barishal divisions over the next three days, starting from Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Kutubdia in Chattogram recorded 86mm of rainfall, Teknaf saw 82mm, Cox’s Bazar 73mm, and Hatiya and Khepupara both experienced 53mm. North-East India’s Arunachal Pradesh also reported significant rainfall, with 155mm recorded.

Assistant Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa from BMD told The Business Standard, “Although we predict heavy to very heavy rainfall since Wednesday afternoon, the amount of rain will increase on Thursday (today). 

“As many areas are still inundated with floodwaters, heavy rains during this period could worsen the flood situation. For this reason, a warning has been given earlier so that the government takes quick action.”

The BMD issued a special bulletin warning that the rainfall could cause landslides and renewed flooding, particularly in the Chattogram division. 

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruq said, “There is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in several areas of the three divisions over the next three to four days. Rainfall is also expected in the Indian state of Tripura. However, the amount of rainfall this time will be slightly less than during the floods that occurred last month.”

Weather Experts have warned that the vulnerable conditions of upstream dams in India could cause the Feni and Muhuri rivers to overflow, leading to renewed downstream flooding in Bangladesh. Additionally, a low-pressure system is likely to form over the coastal areas of Chattogram and Barishal divisions today, which may intensify into a deep depression.

Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Polash, a PhD researcher in meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan, elaborated on the forecast. “The low-pressure system may intensify into a deep depression, with its centre likely over the coastal areas of Chattogram and Noakhali districts between noon and midnight on 12 September. 

“It may weaken into a depression or low-pressure system over Barishal and Khulna divisions by 13 September and move over West Bengal and Jharkhand in India by 14 September.”

He further said, “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Chattogram division, particularly in Noakhali, Feni, Comilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati, with a risk of landslides in Feni, northern Chattogram, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. Rainfall amounts are expected to reach 200-400 mm in Chattogram division, 150-250 mm in Barishal division, and 200-300 mm in Sylhet division.”

He also added, “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Tripura on 12 to 14 September, especially in the southern and eastern districts.”

The Met Office has forecast the formation of a low-pressure area over Bangladesh’s coastal regions within the next 48 hours from yesterday evening. 

This low-pressure system, which has re-intensified into a land depression, currently affects East Madhya Pradesh and surrounding areas. The monsoon trough is active across the region, including southern Bangladesh. 

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has warned of rising water levels in rivers across Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Feni, Comilla, Noakhali, and Laxmipur. Additionally, rivers in the Sylhet division, such as the Surma, Kushiara, and Manu, may also see increased water levels due to ongoing heavy rainfall.