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Heavy rain throughout the night has caused severe waterlogging on several roads in Chattogram city, with knee-deep water inundating low-lying areas including Agrabad, Muradpur, Sholoshahar and Bakalia since Monday morning.
The waterlogging has disrupted traffic and caused immense suffering for office-goers, students and pedestrians. Traffic congestion has worsened due to a shortage of vehicles, while residents have also complained that rickshaw pullers are charging higher fares.
Heavy rain began around midnight. Although the intensity eased somewhat after 8am, water remained stagnant in several parts of the city. In some areas, knee-deep water slowed traffic, forcing many pedestrians to wade through the water to reach their destinations.
People heading to offices and educational institutions in the morning faced the worst difficulties. In some areas, fewer vehicles were available, while in others, standing water prevented vehicles from moving at normal speed. As a result, many people failed to reach their destinations on time.
Jannatul Mishpa Mishti, a student of Katalganj Government Primary School, said, “I have an exam today. So, my teacher told us that we must not miss the exam under any circumstances.”
Fakrul Alam, a resident of Bakalia, said, “There was a lot of water on the road when I left for work this morning. There were also fewer vehicles. It took a long time to travel from one place to another. The shortage of transport along with the rain has made the situation even worse.”
Meanwhile, city residents have accused rickshaw pullers of charging excessive fares, taking advantage of the waterlogging. Many said they had to pay significantly higher fares than usual to reach their destinations.
The weather office said a low-pressure system has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas. Under its influence, gusty winds are sweeping across the sea ports, the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
As a result, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been advised to keep local warning signal No. 3 hoisted. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
The weather office said rainfall may continue in Chattogram and other coastal areas under the influence of the low-pressure system. A total of 189 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Chattogram in the 24 hours until 9am. Of this, 109mm was recorded in just three hours between 6am and 9am.
Ismail Mia, a forecasting officer at the Patenga Weather Office, said the rainfall was caused by the low-pressure system over the sea amid an active monsoon. He said rainfall may continue for the next few days.