High risk of flood in Chittagong division

Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said if the rainfall continues in the same pace like it has for the last few days, several areas near the hilly river might be inundated. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department projected moderate to heavy rainfall across the Chittagong division, in its special weather bulletin issued Wednesday morning. Md Sazzad Hossain, executive engineer of FFWC, told the Dhaka Tribune: “The water level of the hilly rivers - Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri – may rise if the rainfall continues in this manner.” According to the FFWC's flood summary, the three rivers are currently running above the danger level. Data from the Met office said that Rangamati district has experience the highest, 181mm, rainfall in 24 hours, till Wednesday morning, while Kutibdia of Cox's Bazar has experienced second highest, 63mm, rainfall during the same time. Under the influence of deep convection over the North Bay, the region will likely experience rainfall in the next 24 hours, said Omar Faruk, a meteorologist at the Met Office. At the same time, the bulletin warned that landslides may also occur at several places in the Chittagong Hill District due to the heavy rainfall. At least 144 people including several officers and members of the army have been killed in landslides triggered by torrential rain in Rangamati, Bandarban, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar districts. The Met office asked to hoist local cautionary signal number three at all maritime ports – Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra. It further advised all fishing boats and trawlers to come close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.