Severe flooding and landslides have been reported across Bangladesh after the country recorded its highest rainfall in over 30 years. The torrential rains, which began on August 3, have submerged homes and businesses across southeastern Bangladesh, stranding thousands of people.
In waterlogged Chittagong, the country’s largest port city, the monsoon dropped more than 12 inches of rain in less than 24 hours on Monday, triggering landslides and significantly disrupting port operations.
Meanwhile, submerged roads and landslides have cut off key transportation routes between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.
While some inland container depots (ICDs) have been spared from the flooding, several ICDs have reported waist deep waters, with containers stowed on the ground likely to be impacted.
Meanwhile, carriers ONE and MSC have invoked Force Majeure for all wet damage claims incurred as a result of the historic flooding.
On a positive note, railway operations continue to operate without significant disruption; however, delays should be expected.
The heavy rains are expected to continue over the next several days, prompting the Bangladesh Meteorological Office to issue additional flood and landslide warnings. The ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to be on high alert and hoist location cautionary signal No. 3 until further notice.
OCEANAIR will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
