Waterlogging paralyses major Ctg roads for 2nd day

Chattogram city remained submerged for a second consecutive day yesterday (29 April), as heavy rainfall since noon triggered widespread waterlogging across low-lying areas, including the busy Probortok intersection.

The fresh spell of submerging came before residents could recover from the previous day's ordeal, deepening frustration among city dwellers already facing repeated drainage failures.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, 23 millimetres of rainfall were recorded in Chattogram between 6am and 3pm yesterday.

The downpour caused severe water accumulation at Probortok intersection, bringing traffic to a standstill for hours.

The Met Office warned that light to heavy rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, is likely to continue until 3 May, with intensity expected to increase from today (30 April).

City residents voiced growing anger over the persistent waterlogging crisis. Pedestrian Al Amin said there was "little point in complaining anymore," as such suffering has become inevitable. 

Toufiqul Alam of Chawkbazar noted that even light rain leaves alleys knee-deep in water, while overflowing drains push dirty water into homes.

Office-goer Mosharraf Hossain said he had to arrive at work soaked for two consecutive days, questioning the effectiveness of costly mitigation projects.

Md Abdur Rahman, deputy director of the Chattogram Met Office, warned that rainfall may intensify, with gusty winds and possible nor'westers expected in Chattogram and surrounding areas through 3 May. He added that continued rainfall may prolong public suffering.

Mayor cites project setbacks, apologises

During an on-site inspection, Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain expressed regret over public suffering, linking the situation partly to embankments constructed under an ongoing waterlogging mitigation project aimed at building retaining walls along canals.

He said earlier-than-expected heavy rainfall obstructed natural drainage. However, after discussions with the army and the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), steps were taken to remove the embankments, allowing water to begin receding.

The mayor also apologised to residents, describing himself as the "guardian" of the port city.

Long-delayed project, coordination gaps blamed

Tuesday's flooding, which left parts of the port city waist-deep in water after just an hour of rain, has renewed criticism of the city's long-delayed drainage infrastructure upgrade.

Officials and experts have pointed to multiple factors behind worsening waterlogging, including disrupted canal flows due to ongoing construction, failure to complete a three-year project even after eight years, delays in fund disbursement, poor inter-agency coordination, and delayed canal cleaning by the city corporation.

The CDA launched a waterlogging mitigation project in 2017 with a three-year deadline. It has since been extended to June 2026, with costs rising to Tk8,626 crore from the original Tk5,616 crore.

PM expresses grief over Ctg waterlogging

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed grief over the suffering of Chattogram residents due to severe waterlogging.

Responding to a point of order raised by Chattogram-10 lawmaker Saeed Al Noman in parliament yesterday, he assured the House that the government is working to address the crisis as quickly as possible.

Acknowledging that a large portion of the port city is currently submerged, the prime minister said he had already consulted with the Chattogram City Corporation authorities. He also extended his sympathies to affected residents.

Rain also disrupts life in Dhaka, other parts of country

Meanwhile, Dhaka experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms early in the morning, bringing temporary relief from heat but disrupting daily life. 

The downpour, which began around 6:45am, caused difficulties for office-goers, students, and low-income workers. Transport shortages led to higher fares charged by rickshaw and autorickshaw drivers.

In Bagerhat, the downpour, accompanied by occasional gusty winds and thunder, led to waterlogging on several city roads including Sadhana intersection, Shaltala, Rahater intersection, Kharaddar and other low-lying areas, leaving residents struggling.

According to records, 42 millimetres of rainfall were recorded from yesterday morning until 2pm.