Flood likely to ease in south-east
The flood situation is likely to improve in some areas of Chittagong, Bandarban and Coxs Bazar in the next 24 hours, Flood Forecast and Warning Centre (FFWC), said yesterday.
The situation is going to improve in the south-eastern districts as the rains have started waning with the land depression that spun off Cyclone Komen, which is on its way to West Bengal region, after causing light to heavy rain in Faridpur, Dhaka and Khulna regions yesterday.
Heavy to very heavy rain, induced by Komen, caused flash floods in the south-eastern region, triggering landslides and killing at least 11 people. Many homes of poor people have been buried in Coxs Bazar and the hill district of Bandarbans, where roads have been blocked by debris.
Coinciding with the full moon, waves rising up to five feet dealt a severe blow to coastal areas and in the port city of Chittagong. The countrys biggest wholesale hub of Khatunganj was under water for days along with many city areas.
Besides, heavy rain caused waterlogging in Feni and Noakhali districts, damaging crops, roads and homes.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department sources reported that the Bakkhali, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have started receding. Though the Sangu was flowing 35 cm above the danger mark at Bandarban, it fell by 110cm in the past 24 hours, reported the FFWC.
The rain-fed rivers of Surma and Kushiyara are also retreating. The trend would continue in the next 48 hours, it added.
Rains would continue to slow down in the next couple of days, until the land depression peters out, dumping rains in the south west and northwest, on its way to West Bengal, the Met office said.
Meanwhile, the movement of boats have resumed between Paturia and Daulatdia yesterday. But our staff reporter from Barisal reported that the service is suspended since yesterday, as rivers continued to swell in the southern region, in the wake of heavy rainfall triggered by Komen.
Abul Bashar Majumdar, deputy director (marine safety and traffic management) of BIWTA, said operation of small water vessels, less than 65 feet in length, from Barisal and other river ports of the region, have been suspended since yesterday. Operation of medium and multi-deck water vessels and ferry services will continue until further notice.
Abdur Rashid, deputy director of cyclone preparedness programme (CPP) of Red Crescent at Barisal, said residents of char lands in the region are suffering because of heavy rain and swelling of rivers. CPP volunteers are on alert to face any emergency, said Rashid.
