From south to west, incessant rain has disrupted daily lives across the country with some districts recording highest ever rainfall in over a decade. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), mid-western district of Rajshahi, western Kushtia and south-central Faridpur have recorded the highest rainfalls on Thursday (5 October).
In the last 24 hours, Rajshahi recorded 244 mm of rainfall – the highest till date for the district. Faridpur recorded 129.9 mm of rain, which is the highest in the entire year, and Kushtia recorded the highest rainfall this season at 116 mm. The continuous heavy rainfall washing over various districts across the country caused immense suffering to people, disrupting daily lives. In the capital, traffic came to a standstill with Dhakaities reporting being stuck for hours on roads.
Residents from other districts reported that water seeped into office spaces, schools, and courts, even into their homes, they said, adding that it has become increasingly difficult to step outside. Many streets have become submerged in knee-deep water, with people resorting to small boats in order to cross roads. In some areas, people were seen throwing nets in a bid to catch fish. Chief Engineer Noor Islam of Rajshahi City said apart from two areas in the city, most of the water drained away. However, the heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging to occur in some areas. In Faridpur, the BMD’s district officer Jahangir Alam said there has been continuous rain in Faridpur since Thursday morning and it is likely for the next 3-4 more days.
Locals have said the rain has also been causing damage to the crops, while fishermen said fish were being washed away by the rain in low-lying water bodies. Similarly, Kushtia residents have said the city roads have been completely submerged in rainwater as well as causing traffic congestion.
Situation to prevail next few days
In its weather forecast for the next 72 hours from 6:00pm Thursday, the BMD said light to moderate rain, thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places most parts of the country, including Rangpur, Dhaka, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.
On Friday, rainfall is expected in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions and at many places over Khulna, Barisal and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over the country. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country on the day, the BMD added. However, the temperature may rise slightly over the country on Saturday.