Patuakhali district has recorded a year-high 215 millimetres of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with continuous heavy rain triggering widespread waterlogging across the town and surrounding areas, causing severe disruption and hardship for thousands of residents.
On Tuesday, Mahbuba Sukhi, senior observer at Patuakhali Meteorological Office, confirmed the information.
According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), strong winds blowing at 45-60 km/h from the south and southeast are expected to bring intermittent thunderstorms and rain across the regions of Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Due to these conditions, signal no. one has been issued for internal river ports from 9 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday.
Mahbuba Sukhi explained that although rainfall began on Sunday afternoon, the heavy rain started late on Sunday night and continued uninterrupted for 16 hours. The minimum temperature in the district dropped to 25.1°C, with further decreases expected due to the ongoing rain. The heavy rainfall is predicted to persist for the next five days.
Many roads and residential areas in Patuakhali town, including DC Office Road, Hospital Area, Bypass Road, Gorosthan Road, behind Sonali Bank, Circuit House grounds, Jhautola and Government College Road were severely flooded due to the heavy rainfall.
Patuakhali Municipality Administrator Juel Rana said that efforts are underway to drain the water, with 5-6 mobile teams and around 50-60 staff working continuously. All sluice gates in the municipality have been opened and it is hoped that waterlogging will decrease with the upcoming tide.
The heavy rains and flooding have reduced attendance in schools and colleges. The government girls’ secondary school postponed exams and many institutions were forced to close.
Businesses have also suffered, especially impacting low-income daily wage earners such as day laborers, rickshaw pullers and van drivers who cannot go to work.
Small business owners have also been unable to open their shops, leading to loss of income.
Meanwhile, low-lying areas in Galachipa, Dashmina and Bauphal upazilas; covering at least 50 riverine chars, have been flooded by tidal waters. Residents living outside embankments face severe hardship, with several villages in Char Montaz, Char Anda and Chalitabunia unions submerged. Road communications have been cut off in many areas due to waterlogging.
Locals blame the prolonged waterlogging on clogged drains and canals that prevent quick drainage during rainfall.
Md. Rakib, Executive Engineer of Patuakhali Water Development Board, said that they are monitoring all upazilas closely and so far have not received reports of embankment damage. In case of damage, immediate repairs will be undertaken.
Currently, 4,200 geo-bags are in stock for emergency use. Water levels have risen approximately 1.5 meters above normal and vulnerable residents living outside embankments are being advised to relocate inside for safety, added the executive Engineer.
The district administration stated that the situation is under close observation and they are prepared to provide assistance to those affected.
SH
