Tidal surges breach danger levels across Barisal division causing widespread flooding and travel disruption
Photo Collected
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has triggered severe tidal flooding across the Barishal division, pushing river water levels above the danger mark for four consecutive days. The prolonged surge, exacerbated by gusty winds and persistent rainfall, has inundated coastal lowlands, submerged ferry terminal infrastructure, and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of residents.
According to data from the Water Development Board, the crisis peaked during Friday evening and Saturday’s high tides. The Kirtankhola River at Barishal rose 21 centimeters above the danger level, while the Meghna River reached 1.27 meters above the limit at Tazumuddin. Similar conditions were reported across the region, with the Tetulia, Bishkhali, Baleshwar, and Payra rivers all breaching their banks. Assistant Engineer Tajul Islam of the Barishal Water Development Board noted that this is the first time this season that so many rivers have simultaneously surpassed their danger thresholds.
The impact is most acute at the Ilisha launch terminal in Bhola, where high tides have completely submerged the pontoons, forcing approximately 50,000 daily passengers to board vessels under precarious conditions. Local port official Nirmal Kumar Ray stated that the situation has remained critical for days, prompting authorities to relocate the ghat temporarily to ensure passenger safety. Infrastructure damage is also widespread in Barguna, where gangways at the Amtali-Barguna and Boroitola-Bainchotki ferry crossings have been rendered unusable by waist-deep water.
The flooding has displaced hundreds of families living outside protective embankments. In Barishal’s Charbaria area, residents have reported knee-deep water inside their homes, while over 700 families in Barguna’s Taltoli upazila have been forced to flee their residences by boat to seek shelter on higher ground. Local businesses along the Kirtankhola riverbank have also sustained significant losses as commercial properties remain waterlogged.
Meteorological officials warn that the instability is unlikely to subside immediately. Senior observer Anisur Rahman of the Barishal Meteorological Office confirmed that a low-pressure area over the Odisha-West Bengal coast continues to influence regional weather, maintaining a No. 3 local warning signal at all seaports. With the system expected to persist for several more days, authorities remain on high alert as the region faces the ongoing threat of tidal surges and turbulent river conditions.
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