Chittagong city experienced heavy flooding and waterlogging in several areas due to continuous rainfall since Thursday midnight. The situation worsened as the rain continued until Friday morning, causing extensive waterlogging in different parts of the city.
The Bahaddarhat residence of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury was not spared either, with water entering his house. The road in front of the mayor's house is now submerged, with water levels reaching knee-deep.
Many houses and businesses in various parts of the city are also inundated, causing significant distress to the residents.
Areas such as Chaktai-Khatunganj have been hit hard, with water entering several warehouses. Other locations affected by waterlogging include Bakalia Mia Khan Nagar, Masterpole, Chawk Bazar, Sholoshahar, Halishahar, Commerce College, Small Pole, and Big Pole.
Chittagong has experienced intermittent, and at times, heavy rainfall for the past four days. The city faced severe flooding on Friday morning, the fourth day of continuous rain that began on August 1.
In some areas, the water level has risen from knee to waist level, leading to transportation disruptions and traffic congestion in various parts of the city.
Abdul Mannan, a resident of Bahaddarhat area, reported that the continuous rainfall caused waterlogging in Bahaddarhat since Thursday midnight. Even the residence of the CCC mayor in Bahaddarhat area experienced water entry, with waist-deep water in front of the house.
Roads starting from Bahaddahat Water Development Board Road are submerged, and vehicular movement has come to a halt, creating long traffic jams.
Abul Kasem, president of a local trader’s association, mentioned that several business establishments in Chaktai-Khatunganj were affected by the rain-induced flooding, but the extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
According to Assistant Meteorologist Ujjwal Kanti Nath from Chittagong Meteorological Office, 33mm of rainfall was recorded in the previous 24 hours till 9am on Friday. The highest rainfall occurred between 7am-8am.
Additionally, the tide combined with the rainwater is contributing to the flooding in the city. The next tide is expected to begin at 2:30pm, after which the water level in the city is expected to decrease.
The continuous rainfall is attributed to low pressure, and there is a possibility of more rain for the next one or two days. The weather authorities have issued a landslide warning for areas expected to receive heavy rainfall.
