Dhaka, Oct 2 (V7N) - Days of torrential rain have submerged large parts of Bangladesh, crippling daily life and raising fears of fresh flooding as a depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to intensify.
Since Tuesday night, Dhaka and several major cities have been inundated by knee-to-waist-deep water, causing severe disruption to transport and daily life. The rainfall coincided with Durga Puja celebrations, leaving thousands of Hindu devotees and holiday travelers stranded.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has turned into a depression and may strengthen further, prompting warnings at four seaports. Heavy rainfall is forecast across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi divisions until Saturday.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has warned that rivers in Feni, Chattogram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Sherpur, Mymensingh, and Netrokona may overflow, triggering localized flooding. On Wednesday, Dhaka recorded 143 millimeters of rain in 24 hours, leaving major roads, shops, and hospitals under water.
Authorities said drainage systems helped reduce waterlogging in some areas, but conditions remained dire in parts of the capital and coastal districts.
Meteorologists have cautioned that the situation may worsen over the next three days, with above-average rainfall likely to continue into October. Forecasters also warned of an active cyclone season, with up to six low-pressure systems expected in the Bay of Bengal, one or two of which could develop into cyclones.
END/V7D/AJ/
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