The low-lying areas of Barguna, Barishal, Jhalakathi and Bagerhat districts have been inundated due to the tidal surge triggered by the depression that lies over northeast Bay off West Bengal-North Odisha coast and adjoining areas. All major rivers of the districts were flowing above its danger level, flooding many areas in the districts. In Barguna, the residents of the districts have been experiencing incessant rainfall for the past six days from Tuesday due to the tidal surge, inundating low-lying areas of the district. The rivers' waters were flowing above its red-zone. The Payra, the Bishkhali and the Baleshwar rivers were flowing above its danger mark, inundating many villages. Officials of the Water Development Board, said the Bishkhali river water was flowing 72 cm above its danger zone at Barguna point while 125 cm above at Patharghata point. The weather observatory center has recorded 51.5 mm of rainfalls in the past 24 hours. The maritime ports of Bangladesh have been asked to hoist local cautionary signal NO 3, according to the weather bulletin. The low-lying areas have been inundated by the 2-4 feet height above its normal astronomical tide and all fishing boats and trawlers have been asked to proceed with caution and remain close to the coast until further notice. The inhabitants of the river banks are passing their days in fear as the flood protection dam may collapse any time due to the tidal surge. Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, president of Barguna District Trawler Owners Association, said the fishing trawlers were kept at safe places. Golam Mahmud, radio operator of Barguna Cyclone Preparation Programme (CPP), said it is difficult to say how many days the rains will continue. In Bagerhat, the Sundarbans have been flooded by the tidal surge caused by the depression in the Bay of Bengal. Many areas in the Sundarbans including Dublarchar, Karamjal and Katka have been inundated, creating a habitat crisis for wild animals. The low-lying areas in Bagerhat, Sadar, Morelganj, Rampal and Mongla upazilas have been submerged. Mohammad Belayet Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans East Zone, said the river waters were flowing 3-3.5 feet above the normal tide. Many deer have taken shelter at high places in the pond. The deer were seen running to take shelter in high places. Besides, the fishermen have taken shelter in the Sundarbans.