Water levels in the Sundarbans have risen sharply due to the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal.
Compared to normal tides, tidal surges of two and a half to three feet have inundated large parts of the forest.
On Thursday, the water level at Dublar Char rose three feet above normal during high tide.
At Karamjal, the surge reached two and a half feet. As a result, significant areas of the Sundarbans were submerged.
Despite the flooding, officials expressed little concern over potential damage to the forest or its wildlife. They noted that the water is expected to recede with the ebb tide.
Low-lying areas in Mongla, including Joymoni, Chila, Kalatala, and Burirdanga along the banks of the Pasur and Mongla rivers, have also been flooded. Khulna city experienced continuous rainfall throughout the day.
Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, officer-in-charge of the Sundarbans Dubla patrol post, said the sea had become extremely rough since Wednesday, with strong winds and rainfall. “During Thursday’s high tide, the water level at Dublar Char rose by three feet,” he said, adding that all fishermen in the area are safe.
Md Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Karamjal Wildlife and Tourism Centre, confirmed that walkways and portions of the Sundarbans were submerged.
“However, the water will recede within two hours, and there are several elevated mounds in the forest where animals can take shelter,” he said.
Kumar Swastik, executive engineer of the Bagerhat Water Development Board, said the water level in the Pasur River at Mongla rose by two feet, while parts of the Sundarbans experienced surges up to three feet.
According to Md Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of the Khulna Meteorological Office, Khulna city recorded 7mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Koyra recorded 44mm.
