Dhaka, May 30 -- A deep depression sweeping through the Bay of Bengal made landfall along the Bangladesh-India coastline on Thursday afternoon, triggering heavy rains, tidal surges, and the suspension of all launch services from Dhaka's Sadarghat terminal, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the depression began crossing between Khepupara in Patuakhali and India's Sagar Island around 3:30 PM, coinciding with the new moon phase.

This intensified its impact on the coastal belt, inundating vast low-lying areas and submerging parts of the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), responding to worsening weather ...