Due to heavy rainfall caused by a sudden depression in the Bay of Bengal, water levels in 11 rivers in the southern region are flowing above the danger mark, with several others close to it. However, launch services on the Dhaka-Barisal route remain operational, confirmed Riyad Hossain, Assistant Director (Acting) of Barisal River Port.
The situation was confirmed on Friday (July 25) afternoon by Md. Tajul Islam, Assistant Engineer of the Barisal Water Development Board.
The Barisal Meteorological Office reported 21 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours on Friday, with a maximum wind speed of 10 kilometers per hour. This condition is expected to persist for the next two to three days. Payra Seaport has been advised to hoist Danger Signal No. 3, and river ports have been asked to show Local Cautionary Signal No. 1. Launch and speedboat services on the Bhola-Ilisha route have been suspended. Additionally, coastal areas along riverbanks have been submerged due to unusually high tides.
According to data from the Water Development Board, the Kirtankhola River in Barisal district is flowing 30 centimeters above the danger mark. Other rivers above the danger mark include:
- Bishkhali River at Jhalakathi's Bishkhali Point: 16 centimeters above
- Bishkhali River at Barguna's Betagi Upazila: 52 centimeters above
- Surma-Meghna River at Bhola district's Daulatkhan Upazila: 82 centimeters above
- Surma-Meghna River at Bhola's Tajumuddin Upazila: 165 centimeters above
- Burishwar/Payra River at Patuakhali's Mirzaganj Upazila: 29 centimeters above
- Burishwar/Payra River at Amtali Upazila: 18 centimeters above
- Bishkhali River at Barguna's Bishkhali Point: 31 centimeters above
- Bishkhali River at Patharghata Upazila: 45 centimeters above
- Kacha River at Umedpur Point: 23 centimeters above
- Baleshwar River at Pirojpur district's Baleshwar Point: 32 centimeters above
The rising water levels in various rivers have caused distress to the general populace.
Confirming the matter, Md. Tajul Islam, Assistant Engineer of the Barisal Water Development Board, stated that the water flow of several important rivers in the division is monitored during the monsoon season. According to the latest report from Friday at 5 PM, water in 11 rivers in the southern region is flowing above the danger mark, leading to the submergence of many low-lying areas in the division.
When asked about the situation, Md. Tajul Islam attributed the increase in river water levels to the influence of the new moon, adding that there is no risk of flooding.
