Heavy rains lash coastal areas as low intensifies into monsoon depression
The met office warns squally weather may affect the seaports, the north Bay and adjoining coastal areas.
Highlights:
- Local cautionary signal no 3 hoisted at maritime ports as sea turns rough
- Fishing boats advised to remain near shore amid squally weather in the Bay
- Warning signal no 1 issued for inland river ports in nine regions
- Strong winds of up to 60 km/h forecast for coastal and northeastern districts
- Thousands of fishermen return to shore as rough seas halt fishing operations
- Rising river water levels raise fears of embankment damage in coastal areas
Heavy rainfall lashed different parts of coastal districts today (5 July) as a well-marked low over the northwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression, leaving the sea rough and prompting authorities to hoist Local Cautionary Signal no 3 at the country's maritime ports.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the well-marked low over Northwest Bay and adjoining North Odisha-West Bengal coast has intensified into a monsoon depression.
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Under its influence, incessant rain began across the district from Sunday morning.
The Bay of Bengal near Kuakata remained rough, with large waves crashing onto the shore, while water levels in rivers and estuaries rose slightly above normal, reports UNB Patuakhakli correspondent.
The met office warned that squally weather may affect the seaports, the north Bay and adjoining coastal areas.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
Meanwhile, the weather office also forecast temporary gusty or squally winds at speeds of 45-60 km/h over the regions of Barishal, Patuakhali, Khulna, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Mymensingh.
Inland river ports in these regions have been asked to display Warning Signal no 1.
Intermittent drizzle and humid weather continued to affect the coastal district of Bagerhat on Sunday under the influence of a monsoon low over the Bay of Bengal, disrupting normal life.
The sky has remained overcast since Sunday morning, with light rain occurring at intervals across the district.
The sea has turned rough, while strong winds have been sweeping through the Dublar Char area in the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, several thousand fishermen have returned to different coastal areas, including Bagerhat, with their fishing trawlers as the sea remains rough.
Locals expressed concern that further increases in river water levels, coupled with strong waves, could damage vulnerable embankments along riverbanks in different parts of the district.
