Heavy monsoon rains, hill downflows and tidal surges in the Karnaphuli River left much of Chattogram city waterlogged on Tuesday.
Large areas including Patenga, Agrabad, Bakalia, Chandgaon, Mohora, Katalganj, Halishahar, Chawkbazar and Bahaddarhat were inundated with knee‑deep to waist‑deep water, disrupting daily life and heightening public suffering.
The Patenga weather office recorded 386.8 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours till 12pm Tuesday, marking one of the highest totals of the current monsoon season.
Mahmudul Alam, an official at Patenga weather office, confirmed the 386.8mm recording and noted that Ambagan weather centre recorded 300mm during the same period.
He added that such rainfall is likely to continue until Friday.
Local cautionary signal number 3 remains in effect for the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have warned of potential landslides in hilly areas and further waterlogging in the city, especially as the tide in the river began rising around 11:45am.
The inundation of major thoroughfares has severely disrupted traffic. Commuters, day labourers, rickshaw pullers, pedestrians, and airport-bound passengers faced immense difficulties.
The number of public transport vehicles on the roads dropped significantly, leaving many people stranded for hours, while many private vehicles remained off the streets.
Educational institutions have suspended classes and examinations due to the flooding. Water has also entered homes and business establishments in various areas, disrupting daily activities.
In a significant infrastructural impact, a portion of the road adjacent to Patenga sea beach, opposite the Sea-beach Police Box, has collapsed due to the continuous rain. About half the road collapsed, forcing authorities to shut that section to traffic.
Vehicles are currently using the remaining side of the road with significant risk, and locals have called for urgent repairs.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Sahadat Hossain visited various submerged areas in the morning to observe the situation. He instructed relevant officials to ensure swift water drainage, repair damaged roads, and maintain essential services.
Despite the expenditure of thousands of crores of taka on waterlogging mitigation projects, city residents expressed frustration that even a few hours of heavy rain leave major roads underwater. This has raised fresh questions regarding the effectiveness of the city’s drainage system.
The Meteorological Department warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may persist in the Chattogram region over the next 24 hours and possibly until Friday. Consequently, the risks of landslides in hilly areas and rising water levels during tides remain high.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and advised those living in risky hilly areas to remain on high alert.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said the landslide risk has heightened due to the cautionary signal number 3. Multiple teams, led by six Assistant Commissioners (Land), are operating in the field, and awareness campaigns are ongoing to move residents from risky slopes to safe shelters.
