Heavy rainfall triggered severe waterlogging across Chattogram on Tuesday as intense Kalbaishakhi storms disrupted daily life and transport.
The Patenga Meteorological Office recorded 51 millimetres of rain within three hours between 12pm and 3pm, intensifying flooding in low-lying areas.
The situation left parts of the city under knee-deep water, including GEC Intersection, Katalganj and Prabartak Intersection, forcing pedestrians to wade through floodwater.
Assistant Meteorologist Patenga Meteorological Office Suman Saha said active thunderclouds were driving the rainfall.
He warned that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue across several divisions, including Chattogram, over the next 48 hours.
Residents said the waterlogging has worsened due to silted canals and drains, an inadequate drainage system, and blockages caused by accumulated waste.
Transport services were disrupted as the number of vehicles on the roads fell sharply, while rickshaw fares rose even for short distances.
Flooded streets made it difficult to distinguish between roads and pavements, increasing risks for commuters.
The Meteorological Office reported a pressure variation over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, prompting authorities to advise maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.
Authorities also warned of possible landslides in hilly areas due to the heavy rainfall.
