United News of Bangladesh

The deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal is weakening gradually after moving onto land, according to an update of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday morning. Earlier on Thursday night, the deep depression crossed the West Bengal-Bangladesh coastline and stayed over Satkhira and adjoining area as a land depression. Under the influence of the depression, heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in many parts of Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions on Friday. According to the BMD, heavy rainfall refers to rainfall of 44 to 88 millimetres, while very heavy rainfall occurs above 88 millimetres. Shahnaz Sultana, meteorologist at the BMD, said that the deep depression is still in the form of a land deep depression and gradually moving from north to northeast. As a result, rains will occur in various parts of the country Friday. Since the morning, the sky over the capital has been cloudy and amid light rain. According to the BMD, Dhaka may experience rain throughout the day. The meteorologist forecast that heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in many districts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions on Saturday due to the active monsoon winds following a deep depression. On Tuesday, a low pressure system was created over the Bay of Bengal and the next day it turned into a distinct low pressure. On Thursday, it first became a depression and then transformed into a deep depression, resulting in rains in the capital and extensive areas of the country. The highest rainfall was recorded at 168 millimetres in Noakhali's Maijdee Court while Dhaka experienced 86 millimeters of rain on Thursday, causing inundation in parts of Dhaka. Due to the influence of the depression, ferry services were stopped again on Thursday in various regions of the country amidst heavy rainfall. Several thousands of people in Bagerhat, Patuakhali, Bhola, Chandpur and other coastal districts have been inundated due to the tidal surge after some dams reportedly collapsed.

A deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal has begun crossing the Bangladesh coastline and is expected to complete landfall by this evening, potentially triggering tidal surges of 2 to 4 feet in at least 14 districts. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issued a special bulletin on Thursday, warning of the potential impacts. According to the bulletin, the deep depression over the north-west Bay of Bengal and its adjoining areas has moved further north and started crossing the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast near Sagar Island in India and Khepupara in Bangladesh. It may complete crossing by evening and gradually weaken afterwards. Under its influence, squally or gusty winds are likely to blow over the North Bay, the coastal areas of Bangladesh, and the maritime ports. Tidal surges likely to inundate low-lying areas in coastal districts The bulletin said the maximum sustained wind speed is about 50 kilometres per hour within 48 kilometres of the deep depression's centre, increasing to 60 kilometres per hour in gusts or squalls. The sea remains rough near the system's centre. Due to the combined effects of the deep depression and the new moon, tidal surges 2 to 4 feet higher than normal may inundate low-lying areas of coastal districts. These include Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Hatiya, Sandwip, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their nearby islands and shoals. Squally weather may persist during this time. As a precaution, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three. Tidal surge may inundate coastal districts as severe cyclone ‘Dana’ nears Besides, all fishing boats and trawlers in the north-west Bay of Bengal have been advised to seek shelter immediately and remain in safe harbour until further notice.