175mm rainfall recorded in Dhaka in 24 hours, heavy rain likely to continue

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has recorded 175mm of rainfall in Dhaka over the past 24 hours, the highest in the country, according to meteorologist SKM Nazmul Haque.

The Met office has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in six divisions, including Dhaka, for the next 24 hours until Monday evening. Very heavy rain may also occur in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

The rain is expected to continue until Thursday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions towards the end of the week.

Meteorologist Nazmul Haque said the heavy rainfall in Dhaka was caused by the combined effect of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and the active monsoon. However, as the low-pressure system gradually weakens, the intensity of rain in the capital will decrease.

Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has said water levels at several monitoring points of the Sangu, Kushiyara and Someshwari rivers are still flowing above danger level.

According to the centre's forecast, water levels in the Muhuri, Feni, Selonia and Halda rivers in Feni, Chattogram and Khagrachhari may cross danger levels in some places within the next 24 to 48 hours. This may cause short-term flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to the rivers. In addition, some low-lying areas of Lakshmipur and Noakhali may also be temporarily inundated.