Bangladesh Railway has indefinitely suspended all train services from Chattogram to the rest of the country due to severe flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall.
The decision was made as floodwaters inundated the main railway line, particularly affecting the regions of Feni and Cumilla where the flood situation has worsened.
Chattogram railway Station Master Shafiqul Islam confirmed the matter to Banglanews on Thursday (August 22).
He said due to the ongoing flood situation, train services from Chattogram have been halted since this morning. All routes, including Chattogram-Dhaka and Chattogram-Sylhet, have been suspended as water has risen over the railway tracks in several areas.
Bangladesh Railway operates 11 intercity trains daily to destinations including Dhaka, Jamalpur, Sylhet, and Chandpur. Besides, local and commuter trains run regularly to Cox's Bazar, Nazirhat, Chandpur, Dhaka, and Mymensingh.
The flood situation in Cumilla and Feni began deteriorating on Wednesday, with continued heavy rainfall and overflow from India exacerbating the crisis.
Several districts, including Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Khagrachari, and parts of Chattogram, are now submerged.
As of Thursday morning, the flood situation in these areas remains dire, with further rain expected over the next 48 hours, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The latest data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre indicates that water levels in the Kushiyara, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, Muhuri, Feni, and Halda rivers are flowing above the danger level.
Notably, the Muhuri River in Feni has reached its highest recorded level in 40 years.
BDST: 1459 HRS, AUGUST 22, 2024
MSK/SMS
