Heavy rainfall, strong monsoon winds disrupt launch services in coastal region

Launch services on eight river routes in the coastal region remain suspended due to heavy rainfall and strong monsoon winds, which have caused rising water levels in local rivers.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has instructed launch owners not to operate vessels on these routes, as the coastal belt remains turbulent under the influence of the monsoon winds.

The affected river routes are Bhola-Lakshmipur-Char Fashion-Monpura, Tajumuddin-Monpura, and Dowlatkhan-Alexander, according to M. Riad Hossain, Assistant Director of BIWTA, Bhola.

However, the lives of people in the coastal district have been severely affected by incessant rainfall over the past four days.

According to sources at the Met Office, the highest rainfall in the district was recorded at 132.6 mm in the 24 hours up to 12:00 noon today (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, normal life in the district has been disrupted due to the heavy downpour. Waterlogging has also occurred on various roads, including the main road of the district town.

Life in the upazila town has also been hampered by the continuous rainfall. Lower-income groups, including rickshaw pullers, day labourers, and small traders, are suffering immensely.

This season’s highest rainfall—132.6 mm in 24 hours—has been recorded in the past day, and the rainfall is expected to continue until 12 July, said Manirul Islam, an observer at the Bhola Regional Meteorological Department.

The Meteorological Department has advised hoisting local cautionary signal No. 3 at Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports due to the inclement weather.

As a result, BIWTA has announced a temporary suspension of launch movement on eight internal and long-distance routes in Bhola district.

Heavy rainfall, coupled with rising water levels in several rivers, has also caused severe hardship for several hundred people living in low-lying areas of the district.