Rainfall in Bangladesh has affected 72,076 hectares of farmland across 21 districts, according to a Department of Agricultural Extension report published by the Ministry of Agriculture. The persistent precipitation, attributed to an active southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system in the northwest Bay of Bengal, led to temporary waterlogging in regions including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Barishal.
The affected crops span Aush, transplanted Aman, broadcast Aman, jute, vegetables, betel, and watermelon, among others. Specific impact includes 44,662 hectares of Aush and 14,393 hectares of transplanted Aman. The situation has been challenging, particularly in districts like Cumilla and Noakhali, where 11,590 and 7,806 hectares, respectively, have been inundated. In Feni, 1,655 hectares faced flooding.
Rainfall has diminished since Thursday, leading to a decrease in flood severity, the agriculture ministry noted. Concurrently, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded variable rainfall figures, including 85mm in Lakshmipur's Ramgati and 80mm in Gopalganj, with reduced rainfall observed elsewhere.
Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir indicated a further reduction of rainfall from Friday as a low-pressure system in Gangetic West Bengal has merged with the monsoon axis. However, places within Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions might still experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers.
The BMD has downgraded cautionary signals at maritime ports, dismissing the potential for gale-force winds in the North Bay of Bengal.
Source: Financial Express
