Landslide risk looms as Bangladesh braces for heavy rain, storms

The Met Office says heavy to very heavy rain may cause temporary waterlogging and landslides in parts of Chattogram’s hilly areas

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions over the next 48 hours.

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruk said the warning would remain in effect from 1pm on Saturday.

“Temporary waterlogging may occur in some areas due to heavy to very heavy rain, while landslides may occur in parts of the hilly areas of Chattogram Division,” he said.

The forecast was issued because thunderclouds had formed inside the country, according to him.

Rainfall of more than 44mm in 24 hours is considered heavy, while more than 88mm is classified as very heavy rainfall, according to meteorologists.

In a separate warning, the Met Office said rain or thundershowers with gusty winds could affect parts of the Feni, Barishal, Cumilla, Manikganj, Brahmanbaria, Sunamganj, Dhaka, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Pirojpur, Madaripur and Shariatpur districts by 5pm on Saturday.

It advised people to stay indoors during lightning.

Another warning said nor’westers, with lightning and winds of 60-80km per hour from the west or northwest, may sweep across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions within 48 hours from 1pm on Saturday.

The highest rainfall in the 24 hours to 6am on Saturday was recorded in Sreemangal at 134mm. Sylhet recorded 75mm and Saidpur 61mm of rainfall.

The highest temperature during the period was recorded in Ishurdi at 33.8 degrees Celsius, while the lowest was 19 degrees Celsius in Sylhet and Tetulia.