The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in five divisions across Bangladesh, with a heightened risk of landslides in the hilly areas of the Chittagong division due to the downpour.
According to a notification issued on Thursday (October 3), heavy rain (44-88 mm/24 hours) to very heavy rain (up to 289 mm/24 hours) is likely in parts of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions over the next 48 hours, starting from 9:00am on October 3, due to an active monsoon.
The Meteorological Office also warned that active monsoon winds are forming deep circulating clouds over the North Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh's coastal regions. These conditions could result in gale-force winds across the coastal areas, the North Bay of Bengal, and nearby seaports.
Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports have been instructed to hoist local warning signal 3.
Additionally, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed cautiously until further notice.
BIWTA halts vessel movement for weather condition
In response to the worsening weather, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all vessel movement in coastal areas.
Ehteshamul ParvezPublic Relations Officer of BIWTA, confirmed the suspension, stating that local cautionary signal 3 has been raised at all seaports.
Vessels operating on routes from Dhaka to Hatia, Betua, Khepupara, Charmontaj, Rangabali, and Monpura have been ordered to halt operations until further notice.
The decision was made due to rough conditions in coastal rivers, posing significant risks to vessel navigation.