The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in six divisions over the next 72 hours, triggered by a monsoon low-pressure system that has developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining North Odisha�"West Bengal coast.
The weather situation has also prompted warnings of gusty winds in coastal areas, a Local Warning Signal No. 3 for river ports, a heightened risk of landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram, and the suspension of all water transport services between Noakhali and Hatiya Island.
In a special weather bulletin issued on Sunday, the BMD said that from 1pm onwards over the next 72 hours, parts of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall (44 mm to 89 mm or more in 24 hours).
The BMD warned that the anticipated downpours could cause temporary waterlogging in some areas of Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas. It also cautioned that the risk of landslides remains high in the hilly areas of Chattogram Division.
Meanwhile, gusty or squally winds with speeds ranging from 45 to 60 kilometres per hour may sweep over Barishal, Patuakhali, Khulna, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Mymensingh regions. River ports across the country have been advised to keep displaying Local Warning Signal No. 3.
Since Sunday morning, heavy rainfall has continued across several areas of Patuakhali district, including Sadar, Kalapara, Rangabali and Galachipa. The Bay of Bengal off Kuakata has also turned rough.
Sakib Mridha, a resident of the Hetalia Bandhghat area in Patuakhali town, said the torrential rain began shortly after dawn prayers, making it difficult to leave home even for urgent needs.
Shamsuddin, skipper of the fishing trawler FB Three Star at Mahipur-Alipur Fish Landing Centre, said fishing boats had returned to the Khaprabhanga River to take shelter due to high waves and strong winds at sea.
Mahbuba Sukhi, acting officer of the Patuakhali Weather Office, said the rainfall in the coastal region is likely to intensify further under the influence of the low-pressure system, accompanied by gusty and squally winds.
Adverse weather conditions and rough waters in the Meghna River have also forced authorities to suspend all government-operated water transport, including ferry services, between Noakhali and the island upazila of Hatiya from Sunday morning.
The suspension left hundreds of passengers stranded at Nolchira and Chairman Ghat terminals, while no ferries, sea trucks, speedboats or passenger trawlers were allowed to operate because of unsafe river conditions.
Tofazzal Hossain, master of the ferry Mahananda, said ferry services were suspended following the issuance of Local Warning Signal No. 3 and would resume once weather conditions improve.
Mohammad Rezaul Karim, assistant port and transport officer at Hatiya River Port, said the river had remained turbulent since early morning and tidal water levels were higher than normal. All government water transport services will remain suspended until further notice to avoid accidents, he added.
Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Russell Iqbal said all waterway communication with Hatiya has been temporarily suspended in the interest of public safety. Future decisions will be taken based on improvements in the weather and directives from the relevant ministry, the UNO added.
