Bangladesh: Tropical depression weakens July 20 /update 1

Event

The tropical depression located over the Bay of Bengal on July 19 weakened into a low pressure system after it moved over India and merged with the “monsoon axis” on Thursday, July 20. This axis runs through India and across central parts of Bangladesh.

However, the Bangladesh Meteorological Office’s “signal number three” advisory for the southern seaports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra remains in effect as of July 20. This signal means the affected ports are threatened by winds reaching up to 50 km/h (30 mph).

As of 09:00 (local time) on Thursday, the Bangladesh Met Office was forecasting moderate thunderstorms and gusts for the Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions.

Additionally, monsoon rains continue to trigger flooding across 11 central and northern districts in Bangladesh, affecting more than 1.5 million people.

Context

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding and landslides affect Bangladesh on a yearly basis during the rainy season that spans from April to October. Traffic and other transportation services in the capital city of Dhaka were significantly disrupted due to heavy seasonal rains on July 12-13, causing significant flash flooding. High waters prevented vehicles from traveling in some areas of Dhaka.

In June this year, deadly floods and mudslides triggered by torrential monsoon rains in southeastern Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tract region, are estimated to have claimed around 160 lives. About 80,000 people are affected across the five districts of Bandarban, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachari and, Rangamati; about 6000 homes were destroyed and nearly 200 people injured. The June 2017 landslides are considered to be the worst landslide-related disaster in Bangladesh since 2007.

Advice

Individuals present in regions affected by flooding are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.