Pre-monsoon rains lash Bangladesh as deep depression triggers flood fears in six districts

Heavy rainfall has continued for a second consecutive day in Dhaka and across large parts of the country, caused by a deep depression that formed over the Bay of Bengal ahead of the monsoon season.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the system intensified from a low-pressure area into a well-marked low and later a deep depression before making landfall and weakening into a land depression.

The system has brought intermittent rain to many regions, with rising water levels in major rivers threatening flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas.

The BMD has forecast storms with wind speeds of 60–80 kph over Dhaka and nine other districts by tonight. The affected regions include Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mymensingh, and Sylhet.

River ports in these areas have been asked to hoist cautionary signal No. 2. Elsewhere in the country, gusts of 45–60 kph are expected, with river ports advised to display cautionary signal No. 1.

In a fresh advisory issued Friday (30 May), the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board warned that six districts could experience flooding within the next three days.

According to the bulletin, water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers in the Chattogram division are expected to rise further in the next 24 hours. The Muhuri River may cross the danger mark, while the Matamuhuri could flow near the warning level, potentially inundating low-lying areas near Feni.

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Deep depression weakening, heavy rains to continue across Bangladesh

Meanwhile, river levels are also expected to rise in parts of Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, including the Surma, Kushiyara, Sarigowain, Jadukata, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, and Someshwari rivers. These rivers may exceed danger levels, raising flood risks for Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrokona.

In the north, the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers in Rangpur division are likely to swell over the next three days, with the Teesta expected to flow near the warning level. However, authorities say no immediate flood threat has been identified in the region.

Coastal rivers in Barisal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions may experience higher-than-normal tides until Saturday, the advisory said.

While the water levels of the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers remain stable and below danger levels, they are forecast to rise steadily over the next four days. Similarly, the Ganges remains stable while the Padma is on a rising trend, although both are still flowing below danger marks.

The meteorological and flood monitoring authorities continue to observe the situation closely, warning residents in at-risk areas to remain alert.