Heavy rain continues across Bangladesh, Ctg sees highest rainfall in 43 years

Heavy rainfall continues across Bangladesh under the influence of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and active monsoon conditions, with Chattogram recording its highest daily rainfall in 43 years, triggering flash flood warnings and widespread disruption in several parts of the country.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four days in the Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions, as well as adjoining upstream areas of India, including Meghalaya and Tripura.

Rainfall is expected to continue across various parts of the country through Saturday (11 July).

Chattogram records 394mm rainfall 

Over the past 24 hours, Chattogram Division recorded extremely heavy rainfall, while Sylhet and Barishal divisions experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall. The low-pressure system has already brought widespread rainfall across the country for nearly three days, with some areas receiving more than 200 millimetres of rain within 24 hours.

The port city of Chattogram recorded 394 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours ending yesterday (7 July), the highest daily rainfall in 43 years.

According to the Patenga Weather Office, the previous highest rainfall was recorded in 1983, when 407 millimetres fell within 24 hours.

Dhaka’s air quality improves amid rainfall 

Dhaka ranked 22nd among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 77 at 9:15am. According to the AQI scale, the city’s air quality was classified as “Moderate”, indicating that the air is generally acceptable for most people, although unusually sensitive individuals may experience moderate health concerns.

Maritime warning issued

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep local cautionary signal number three (R) hoisted as squally weather may affect the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas.

All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the well-marked low over East Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas has moved northwestwards and now lies over Northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas.

The system is likely to move further west-northwestwards and gradually weaken. However, its influence has created a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas, resulting in persistent rainfall and squally weather.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), water levels have already risen in several rivers across the Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions and may increase further over the next three days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall during the next 24 to 72 hours could cause rapid rises in rivers across the northeastern, eastern, southeastern and northern regions.

The FFWC warned that rivers in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram may exceed danger levels, triggering short-term flooding.

Executive Engineer Sarder Udoy Raihan said the flash flood situation could persist for about three days before conditions begin improving from Saturday.

Although all major rivers are currently flowing below danger levels, the FFWC warned that the Teesta River may cross the danger level within the next 24 to 48 hours. Water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara, Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Sangu, Matamuhuri, Dudhkumar and Dharla rivers are also expected to rise rapidly.