The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy to hefty rainfall across four divisions, including Dhaka, raising concerns over possible landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram.

In a bulletin issued Thursday (August 21), meteorologist Kh. Hafizur Rahman said that under the influence of an active southwest monsoon, parts of Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions may experience heavy rainfall ranging from 44 to 88 millimetres in 24 hours, and very heavy rain of up to 188 millimetres, until August 24.

The department cautioned that excessive downpours could trigger landslides in the hilly terrain of Chattogram Division.

In a separate warning, the BMD said temporary gusty or squally winds, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometres per hour, may sweep over Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar regions. 

River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one.

SMS/