Waterlogging in Chittagong due to continuous rain, city dwellers in extreme suffering
Chittagong city and its surrounding areas have been submerged in water due to continuous rain. Due to intermittent rain since Monday (July 28) morning, knee-deep waterlogging has occurred in various areas of the city. This has caused extreme suffering to office-going people, students and HSC examinees. In the morning, it was seen that knee-deep water has accumulated in many places including GEC intersection, Gate No. 2, Baklia, Agrabad, Chandgaon. Traffic movement in these areas is being disrupted. Severe traffic jams have been created on the roads. Ambulances, school buses, and thousands of office-going people are stuck in the traffic jam. Many have been forced to walk in water for several kilometers. Still, reaching somewhere on time has become a nightmare. Many houses have also been submerged. Water has entered everywhere from kitchens to bedrooms. People of all ages, including children and the elderly, are in trouble. Income and livelihood have also been affected. CNG and autorickshaw drivers are taking advantage of this situation and are now charging 50 taka or more for the fare that is usually 30 taka. Sumon, a resident of Agrabad area, said, “I went out to take my son to school, but I couldn’t walk because the road was flooded. I can’t get a rickshaw, and even when I did, the driver asked for 50 taka instead of 30 taka.” Sumi from Chawkbazar said, “I set out to take the HSC exam in the rain. As soon as I got on the road, I saw water everywhere. I can’t get a rickshaw, and some are asking for double the fare.” Jannatul Mawa, a resident of Panchlaish area, said that Mehedibagh has been knee-deep in water since morning. The water is gradually rising. It is not possible to even leave the house. Photos and videos of waterlogging have been circulating on social media since morning. Many have expressed anger and frustration. According to the Patenga Meteorological Office, 56.6 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in Chittagong in the last 24 hours till 9 am on Monday. At the same time, 55 millimeters of rain was recorded at the Ambagan center. Meteorologist Mahmudul Hasan said that even though the low pressure has crossed the coast, its effects are still present. The rain is forecast to continue for two to three more days. Meteorologist Afroza Sultana of the Meteorological Department said that a total of 72 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in Chittagong in the last 24 hours till 6 am. On the other hand, the height of the tide in the Karnaphuli River at 3 pm on Sunday was 3.65 meters, which is slightly below the danger limit of 4.15 meters. Although the water level of the Halda River is still normal, its flow has increased. City residents fear that if the tide continues along with the continuous rain, the waterlogging could take a more serious form. Experts also believe that the risk of landslides is also increasing.
