A warning from the Meteorological Office has sparked fear across 16 coastal districts, as low-lying areas risk inundation from tidal surge. Residents of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and nearby offshore islands and chars are passing sleepless nights amid panic of embankment breach and widespread flooding.
The alert stems from the convergence of a new moon phase and a depression over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand, previously centered over the Bay of Bengal. This has led to a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay, triggering gusty winds and squally weather across maritime ports and coastal zones. The Met Office forecasts wind-driven tidal surge of 1–3 feet above the normal astronomical tide, potentially inundating low-lying areas.
Ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist cautionary signal No. 3, while all fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay must remain sheltered until further notice.
Simultaneously, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has reported moderate to heavy rainfall in Chattogram, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, and in India's upstream regions. From July 26 to 29, heavier rainfall is expected across Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, as well as Indian states including Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya.
In Chattogram, rivers like the Feni and Matamuhuri are swelling, and others—such as the Gomti, Muhuri, Selonia, Halda, and Sangu—are projected to swell again soon. Water levels in the Muhuri and Selonia rivers may exceed danger levels, posing significant flood risks in areas like Feni, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali.
Tidal levels are already elevated in coastal rivers across Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions, while wind-driven surge may flood nearby areas imminently. The vulnerability is especially pronounced in districts like Cox’s Bazar, Feni, and Bhola, which frequently suffer the brunt of tidal surge and cyclone. Additionally, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall may affect hilly areas in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari.
In Bhola, worsening weather has suspended passenger and freight services on routes like Bhola–Lakshmipur and Monpura–Dhaka. Strong winds, moderate rain, and rising water at Ilisha ferry terminal have disrupted movement, stranding vehicles and submerging infrastructure.
Additionally, landslides triggered
by heavy rainfall may affect hilly
areas in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban,
Rangamati, and Khagrachhari
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of storm and cyclone in Bangladesh. Shifts in rainfall patterns, increasingly powerful nor’wester, and lightning strikes have become regular threats, claiming lives and damaging critical infrastructure. During March to July, several vessels capsize due to high winds and rough waters, leading to casualties and missing persons. Lightning has emerged as a major killer, largely due to the loss of natural defence and inadequate awareness.
Moreover, outdated and vulnerable power poles often collapse during storms, compounding risks. These must be replaced urgently. While natural disasters can’t be prevented, timely preparations can significantly reduce their impact.
The government must act swiftly and in a coordinated manner. Cyclone shelters, especially in the risky districts, should be ready to host evacuees. Relevant ministries and agencies must follow the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD), with local authorities—deputy commissioners, upazila nirbahi officers, union parishad members, and Red Crescent volunteers—on full alert.
Public awareness is critical. Print and electronic media should widely broadcast weather forecasts. Those travelling by water, farmers, and fishermen must heed official warnings. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) should suspend vessel movement during high alerts and ensure all watercraft meet safety standards.
The Met Office must issue clear and timely alerts, giving people enough time to take shelter. Though we cannot stop natural calamities, collective effort can save lives. Community engagement and preparedness—through drills, awareness campaigns, and local leadership—are vital.
All forces—Coast Guard, Police, BGB, Fire Service, and Civil Defence—must be ready for deployment. If rescue operations are needed, they should begin without delay. Seamless communication between central and local authorities is essential.
As the depression over the Bay of Bengal holds potential to intensify, vigilance is crucial. Cyclone shelters must remain operational, and trained volunteers should support emergency evacuations and aid distribution.
With Bangladesh’s coastal regions continually at risk, proactive, well-coordinated responses are the only way to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from repeated disasters.
