Flood warning for six districts, deep depression approaches Bangladesh coast

The Water Development Board’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has issued a flood alert for six districts in Bangladesh, citing rising river levels on cross border rivers and heavy rainfall due to a deep depression in the northwest Bay of Bengal. 

The depression, which has intensified and is expected to cross the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast near Sagardwip and Khepupara by the afternoon of May 29, 2025, is likely to exacerbate flood risks in low-lying areas.

According to a press release issued on Thursday (May 29), the Water Development Board reported that rivers in Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions may see significant water level increases over the next few days. Specifically:

In Chittagong division, the Gumti, Muhuri, and Feni rivers are expected to rise over the next two days, with the Muhuri river in Feni district likely to cross the danger level, posing a flood risk in adjacent low-lying areas. Water levels may recede the following day.

In Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, and Someshwari rivers may rise over the next three days, potentially exceeding danger levels. This could lead to flooding in low-lying areas of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrakona districts.

In Rangpur division, the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are expected to rise over the next three days, with the Teesta potentially reaching the warning limit.

Higher-than-normal tides are anticipated in the coastal rivers of Barisal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions for the next two days due to the deep depression.

Meanwhile, the Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet are currently seeing decreasing water levels but may rise again over the next three days, though they are expected to remain below the danger level. Sardar Uday Raihan, Executive Engineer at the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, told Jago News that low-lying areas in the six affected districts face flood risks. However, he noted that reduced rainfall could lead to receding water levels.

In a related development, the Bangladesh Meteorological Office reported that the depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression. 

As of 12 noon on May 29, it was located 375 km west-southwest of Chittagong Seaport, 385 km west of Cox’s Bazar Seaport, 170 km southwest of Mongla Seaport, and 210 km southwest of Payra Seaport. It may move further northwards and cross the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Sagardwip and Khepupara by Thursday afternoon.

The deep depression, with maximum sustained winds of 50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph, is causing rough seas and gusty winds in the North Bay of Bengal and coastal areas.

The Meteorological Office has instructed the seaports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist local warning signal 3. 

All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal have been advised to remain in safe shelter until further notice.