5 rivers in Barishal rise above danger levels

Due to a low-pressure system over the western Bay of Bengal, water levels in five rivers across Barishal division have risen above the danger mark. 

Continuous intermittent rainfall has flooded low-lying areas by 1 to 3 feet. Authorities forecast that the rain will persist for the next two days.

The Water Development Board and Barishal Meteorological Office confirmed these developments on Saturday.

Tajul Islam, Assistant Sub-Engineer of the Water Development Board’s Barishal Hydrology Division, reported that the Bishkhali River in Jhalokathi is 16 centimeters above danger level. The Surma and Meghna rivers in Bhola district are above danger mark by 1.12 centimeters at Tazumuddin and 50 centimeters at Daulatkhan. In Pirojpur, the Kacha River at Umedpur is 1 centimeter above danger level, while the Baleshwar River is 25 centimeters above.

Monitoring 19 key river gauge stations in southern Bangladesh, the Water Development Board found that five rivers have breached the danger level. Though the other stations are below the threshold, water levels remain higher than usual.

Tajul Islam added that rising waters have inundated homes and farmland in coastal areas. Although flooding is not expected to worsen, riverbank erosion may occur once water levels recede. This seasonal rise is typical during the monsoon.

Senior Observer Milon Howlader of the Barishal Meteorological Office warned of heavy rainfall in Barishal and Chattogram regions over the coming days, which may cause 1 to 3 feet flooding in char areas. The authorities have issued sea port warning signal No. 3 and river port signal No. 1.

Rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours.

HKJ