Southern rivers overflow as depression triggers coastal flooding

All major rivers in the country's southern region have risen above danger levels due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, submerging coastal areas and triggering waterlogging in urban and rural communities.

By 3 PM on Friday, areas along the Kirtankhola River—including Barishal’s central Sadar Road—were flooded by unusually high tides. 

Residential zones such as Bhathikhana, Palashpur, and Sagaradi Dhan Research Road reported knee-deep water in homes.

Taizul Islam, sub-divisional engineer at the Barishal Water Development Board, told that by 5 PM, all southern rivers including the Meghna and Tetulia were flowing above the danger mark. Kirtankhola rose 30 centimeters above danger level at 4:40 PM.

“As the tide recedes, water in urban homes is expected to drain,” Taizul added.

The tourist town of Kuakata and other coastal regions like Patharghata in Barguna also experienced strong winds and tidal surges, inundating low-lying communities. Reporters from these areas noted rough seas and widespread flooding along the coastline.

The current weather pattern brought persistent light to moderate rainfall across the region since Thursday night, intensifying on Friday with gusty winds after noon. The Barishal Meteorological Office recorded 21 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with peak wind speeds reaching 10 km/h at 3 PM.

Milon Hawlader, senior observer at the Barishal Met Office, warned of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in Barishal and Khulna divisions over the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Selim Reza, port official in Barishal, reported abnormal river swelling but confirmed that no formal ban has been issued on launch services. However, speedboat operations were suspended from Thursday morning as a precaution.