Chittagong witnessed its highest single-day rainfall in 42 years on Wednesday as relentless monsoon showers inundated large parts of the port city, causing severe waterlogging, and bringing normal life to a near standstill.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded 412.3 millimetres of rainfall in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, the highest daily rainfall in the city since weather records of this kind began 42 years ago, said Assistant Meteorologist Bashir Ahmed.
He said the record rainfall combined with hill runoff and high tides in the Karnaphuli River caused widespread waterlogging in the low-lying areas across the city.
Heavy rain, which began before dawn, submerged roads in many areas, leaving commuters, office-goers, students and pedestrians stranded.
Water reached knee to waist height in some areas, severely hampering vehicular movement.
Roads in different parts of the city, including Agrabad Access Road, Badamtali, Bakalia, Chandgaon, Mohra, Katalganj, Halishahar, Patenga, Chawkbazar and the port area, were inundated.
In several places, roads and drains became indistinguishable, forcing vehicles to move slowly, while small vehicles were unable to operate in some areas.
Rainwater also entered numerous homes and business establishments, adding to residents’ hardship.
The Met Office said active monsoon conditions are likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days, raising the risk of prolonged waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Officials said the Chittagong City Corporation, with support from the Bangladesh Army, is continuing drainage, canal and sewer cleaning operations in different parts of the city to facilitate the quick discharge of accumulated rainwater.
The district administration has urged residents living in landslide-prone hill areas to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if necessary.
People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
