Dhaka, July 26 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a special bulletin warning of rough seas and possible tidal flooding in 15 coastal and adjacent districts, following the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Met Office, the low pressure is currently located over West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand and is likely to move further west-northwest. The resulting pressure gradient in the northern Bay has increased the likelihood of stormy winds and waves ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height.

As a precaution, maritime ports in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to hoist local cautionary signal number three.

Due to the combined influence of the new moon and the low-pressure system, the Meteorological Department has warned of possible tidal surges affecting Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar, including surrounding islands and char areas.

The department has advised all fishing boats and trawlers to remain in safe harbors until further notice.

Local Impacts Reported

In Noakhali’s Hatiya, low-lying areas have been inundated following a night of continuous rainfall and tidal water intrusion. Waterlogging has also been reported in several upazilas, including areas around the district headquarters.

In Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, about 2.5 kilometers of the Marine Drive have been eroded by strong waves. Floodwaters have entered surrounding areas including Aniser Dail, Tablor Char, and near the Kutubdia wind power plant due to dam breaches.

In Maheshkhali, water has flooded low-lying regions of Dhalghata and Matarbari, while in Kuakata, Patuakhali, parts of the Marine Drive have also been damaged by wave action.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the weather system continues to evolve, and further advisories are expected in the coming days.

END/RH/AJ