Fresh flooding hits Ctg as rain pounds city

CHATTOGRAM, July 8: Continuous heavy rainfall coupled with rising tidal waters inundated large parts of the port city once again on Wednesday under the influence of a low-pressure over the Bay of Bengal and an active monsoon, causing fresh misery for residents.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 237.5mm of rainfall in the 24 hours until 10:00am on Wednesday. It also advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep local cautionary signal No. 3 hoisted as squally weather may affect the North Bay.

According to weather reports, rainfall is expected to continue across various parts of the country through Saturday.
On Tuesday, Chattogram recorded 412mm of rainfall in the 24 hours until 3:00pm, surpassing the previous record of 411mm set on 4 August 1983.

Three days of torrential rain have triggered widespread waterlogging, disrupting road transport, cargo unloading at Chattogram Port and rail services between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.

The operation of the Dhaka-bound and Cox's Bazar-bound Parjatak Express has been cancelled indefinitely.

However, flight operations at Shah Amanat International Airport returned to normal after disruptions on Tuesday.

The adverse weather also forced the postponement of HSC and equivalent examinations scheduled in Chattogram and Rangamati under the Chattogram Education Board.

The Chattogram City Corporation closed all educational institutions under its jurisdiction for Wednesday and Thursday, while Chittagong University suspended all classes and examinations until further notice.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Jahedul Islam Mia said 629 shelters had been opened and eight additional emergency shelters kept on standby.

He said more than 1,200 residents living in landslide-prone hill areas had been shifted to safe shelters on Wednesday.

The district administration also said around 6,555 people living on 26 risky hill slopes in the city were being urged to evacuate as fears of landslides mounted amid the continued rainfall.

"We have shifted them to shelter centres and are providing food and other amenities," the deputy commissioner said.

Following the heavy rain, the Bandarban and Rangamati district administrations closed tourist spots and hotels over landslide fears. Tourists stranded in hilly areas have been allowed to stay free of charge.

Meanwhile, the Sangu, Karnaphuli, Matamuhuri, Halda and Dalu rivers were flowing near danger levels, raising concerns that the flood situation across greater Chattogram could deteriorate further if the heavy downpour continues.

The latest spell of rain submerged large parts of the port city, causing severe suffering to residents as fresh waterlogging hit numerous neighbourhoods despite the implementation of projects worth Tk 14,000 crore.

The worst-hit areas included Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, Gate No. 2, WASA Circle, Halishahar, Patenga, Chandgaon, Bakalia and Chawkbazar.

Flooding worsened after tidal water entered several neighbourhoods, including Halishahar, Agrabad, Kattali, Bandartila, Goshaildanga, Saltgola Crossing, Chaktai, Khatunganj, Patenga and Bandar.

Pedestrians and commuters endured severe hardship as transport shortages and traffic congestion brought civic life almost to a standstill.