Heavy rains resulting from low pressure in the Bay of Bengal have battered various regions of Bangladesh for the past three days. The relentless downpours, which have been both continuous and intermittent, have led to significant disruptions, including landslides and flooding.
In Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, and Patia, Chittagong, landslides have claimed the lives of two individuals. Additionally, severe weather conditions have paralyzed public life in Barisal and Chandpur.
In Cox’s Bazar, strong winds and heavy rains have caused extensive damage to infrastructure. On the Marine Drive road, 20 electricity poles have been toppled, resulting in disrupted traffic. The local electricity department is working to restore services. Md. Abdul Quader Gani, Executive Engineer of the Cox’s Bazar Electricity Department, confirmed the situation: “We are working on removing the broken poles and restoring normalcy.”
The rain and wind have also had tragic consequences. An elderly man named Abdus Sukkur (60) was killed, and a woman, Mostafa Khanam (20), was injured in a landslide in the Jhapua area of Kalamarchara on Monday morning.
Cox’s Bazar has experienced moderate to heavy rainfall since Saturday, with 190 mm recorded in the past 24 hours alone, according to Assistant Meteorologist Abdur Rahman. He noted that the low pressure system, located in southern Bangladesh and adjacent West Bengal, has weakened but remains in the area, continuing to produce deep convective clouds over the North Bay of Bengal. Gusty winds are expected to affect the North Bay, coastal areas of Bangladesh, and sea ports.
In response to the severe weather, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra sea ports have been advised to display local warning signal number 3. Fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal are urged to proceed with caution near the coast until further notice.
The impact of the weather is being felt across various districts. In Chittagong, including Mirsarai, Sitakunda, Fatikchari, Hathajari, Raujan, Boalkhali, Patia, Banshkhali, Anwara, Chandanaish, Satkania, and Lohagara, persistent rains have led to widespread disruptions, with some upazilas experiencing house submersion due to mountain landslides.
