Bangladesh: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country through at least Oct. 26

Severe weather is forecast across most of Bangladesh through at least Oct. 26. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning, advising that due to the presence of Severe Cyclonic Storm Dana in the Bay of Bengal, rainfall totals of 4.4-8.8 cm (1.7-3.5 inches) with localized heavier amounts are forecast over Braishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi divisions Oct. 24-25. Rainfall and thunderstorms with isolated heavy downpours are forecast across the rest of the country Oct. 24-26. Further showers and storms are expected across much of Khulna and Rajshahi and isolated areas of the rest of the country Oct. 26, before drier conditions begin to prevail in many areas from Oct. 27. Strong winds and rough seas associated with Dana are also expected in coastal areas: all maritime ports have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three (out of ten). Storm surge of around 0.6-0.9 meters (2-3 feet) is also possible in some coastal areas. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Bay of Bengal coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.

Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.