Heavy rain submerges Chattogram, parts under waist-deep water

Continuous heavy rain has inundated large parts of Chattogram, leaving some areas under knee-deep water and others with waist-high flooding, disrupting daily life and hampering traffic across the port city.

Residents and commuters said waterlogging was reported in Rahattarpul, Bakalia, Chawkbazar, New Market, Riazuddin Bazar, Kapasgola and Katalganj, among other areas. Parts of the Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Flyover were also inundated, further complicating traffic movement.

The Patenga Meteorological Office recorded 189 millimetres of rainfall in Chattogram in the 24 hours until 9am Monday, according to meteorological official Md Ismail Bhuiyan. Of that total, 81mm was recorded between 6am and 9am alone.

Ismail said the city could see more rain over the next two to three days due to the influence of a low-pressure system and the prevailing monsoon.

The persistent downpour has caused particular hardship for office-goers, students and pedestrians. Many commuters have been forced to wade through knee-deep water, while vehicles are struggling to navigate several flooded roads.

“It's been raining since last night. When I went out in the morning, I found the water had risen further. I had to walk through knee-deep water,” said Khadija Jannat Sujon, a resident of Rahattarpul. She said residents face similar problems every monsoon but have yet to see a permanent solution.

Private-sector employee SM Gias Uddin, from Bahaddarhat, said standing water had made even walking on the roads difficult, with students among those facing the greatest difficulties.

Residents complained that many parts of Chattogram become waterlogged after even moderate rainfall, with the situation worsening after overnight downpours. They called for immediate drainage measures and a long-term solution to the city's chronic waterlogging problem.