Continuous rain benefits agriculture but disrupts normal life in Bagerhat
The agriculture department recorded 36 millimetres of rainfall in the past 24 hours
Intermittent rain triggered by a land depression has continued across the coastal district of Bagerhat for the past three days, bringing relief to farmers by reducing soil salinity and benefiting transplanted Aman paddy seedbeds and vegetable crops, although it has also caused hardship for commuters and low-income people.
The rain began 5 July and continued through today (7 July), alternating between light showers and heavy downpours. Students, office-goers and day labourers have been facing difficulties due to the persistent rainfall, while transport workers say their earnings have declined as fewer people are travelling.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the rainfall has lowered salinity levels in the district, creating favourable conditions for Aman paddy seedbeds and seasonal vegetables.
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Deputy Director of the Bagerhat DAE Md Motahar Hossain said the recent rainfall had been beneficial for agriculture, particularly for transplanted Aman cultivation and vegetable farming.
"Salinity has started to decrease due to the rain. However, if rainfall continues for several more days, vegetable crops may suffer damage from excessive water," he said.
The agriculture department recorded 36 millimetres of rainfall in the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Mongla Meteorological Observatory recorded 50 millimetres of rainfall during the same period.
Acting Officer of the Mongla Weather Observatory Md Harun-Or-Rashid said the rainfall was caused by the influence of a land depression affecting southern Bangladesh.
"The sea remains rough, and water levels in rivers have risen with high tides. Rainfall may continue for another three to four days," he said.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised Mongla seaport to keep Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 hoisted.
Several students, rickshaw pullers and easy-bike drivers said the continuous rain had disrupted their daily lives and reduced their income. Transport workers said passenger numbers had fallen significantly due to the bad weather, making it difficult to support their families.
Residents also reported that many rural earthen roads had become muddy and slippery, making movement difficult in several villages.
