, July 26 -- Several coastal areas of Chandpur district were flooded on Friday following a sharp rise in the water level of the Meghna River, caused by a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal.

The water level surged by nearly three feet during high tide, entering roads, homes and ponds and causing widespread panic among residents, including fears of snake bites.

Officials at the Water Development Board in Chandpur said the Meghna River was flowing 21 centimetres above the danger mark - set at 4 centimetres - during Friday afternoon's high tide.

The situation peaked around 3:30pm, submerging around 30 low-lying char areas in Chandpur Sadar and Haimchar upazilas.

Water also rose to road level in Puratan Bazar near the town protection emba...