Continuous rainfall has left different parts of Rangpur city submerged under knee-deep water, affecting around 5,000 families who are now stranded. Waterlogging has caused severe suffering for residents as homes and roads remained inundated for the last three days.
Residents have alleged that the city’s drainage system is in a deplorable condition and that the Rangpur City Corporation has failed to take effective measures to remove the accumulated water.
According to the Rangpur Meteorological Office, 65 millimetres of rain were recorded in the last 24 hours, while 162 millimetres of rain were recorded over the past three days.
Numerous houses, schools, and madrasas—including the meteorological office itself—have been flooded. Due to the collapse of the drainage system, rainwater is unable to drain away, worsening the situation.
Areas such as Masterpara, Kamarpara, Babukha West, Babukha North, Lalbagh, Ganeshpur, Balapara, Binodpur, and Pathanpara are now submerged in water ranging from knee to waist level. Many families are living in inhumane conditions, with food shortages reported as water has entered homes and disrupted daily life. Educational activities have come to a halt as institutions remain flooded.
During a visit to Masterpara around 1:00 pm on Saturday, it was observed that roads from Charta Mor to the entire area were submerged under 2 to 3 feet of water. Residents were seen wading through water, while vehicles—including private cars, trucks, and auto-rickshaws—were navigating the damaged and flooded roads at considerable risk. Even the premises of the meteorological office were inundated.
In nearby Babukha area, the situation is even more severe, with water entering almost every home and damaging furniture and goods. Grocery shop owner Arju Mia reported significant financial losses as floodwater destroyed his merchandise.
Retired engineer Shamsul Islam stated that the city’s drainage infrastructure is clogged and non-functional, preventing water from flowing into the Shyamasundari canal. He emphasized that proper planning and maintenance could have prevented the crisis, adding that around 50,000 people are now suffering from persistent waterlogging.
Another resident, Masuda Hafiz from Kamarpara, blamed unplanned drainage construction for blocking natural water flow into the canal, worsening the flooding. She said the city authorities must take responsibility for the situation.
Newly appointed administrator of Rangpur City Corporation, Mahfuzan Nabi Don, said that work is underway to improve drainage and remove water, expressing hope that the situation will improve soon.
Meanwhile, Assistant Meteorologist Mostafizar Rahman forecast light to moderate rainfall until May 5.
Residents have urged authorities to take immediate action to restore the drainage system, warning that further delay could flood more areas and intensify the suffering of thousands.
