Swelled rivers inundate low-lying areas of Barishal City

An inundated road in a coastal town of Bangladesh. UNB

Barishal, Aug 11 -- Swollen rivers have inundated several low-lying areas of Barishal city, causing immense sufferings to the residents.

Moreover, the incessant showers triggered by the depression have intensified the woes of the residents. In many areas, water has entered people's homes.

According to the Water Development Board, the Kirtankhola river was flowing 12 cm above the danger level while the Bishkhali River was flowing 19 cm above the red mark.

The Tetulia river was flowing 30 cm above the red mark, while the Surma and the Meghna were flowing 69 cm and 87 cm above the danger levels in Doulatkhan upazila and Tajumuddin point in Bhola district, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Burishwar and the Payra were flowing 29 cm above the danger level in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali district while the Bishkhali river was flowing 36 cm and 65 cm above the danger mark in Patharghata upazila and at Barguna point of the district, respectively.

The Baleshwar river was flowing 2 cm above the red mark in Pirojpur district, while the Kocha river was flowing 20 cm above the danger level in Umedpur of the district.

Deputy assistant engineer of the Barishal Water Development Board said water levels of 23 rivers in the southern districts were under observation and all the major rivers have been flowing above danger levels since Tuesday.

Abdul Kuddus, a senior officer at Barishal Weather Observatory Centre, said 24.3 mm of rainfall have been recorded till 3 pm on Wednesday while the maritime ports have been asked to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 and the river ports have been asked to hoist local cautionary signal No 2.

Rains are likely to continue for one or two more days, he said. - UNB