Torrential rains batter life in Chandpur

Incessant rains and thunderstorms for the past two to three days have paralysed normal life in Chandpur town.

The roads of the district town, particularly Cumilla Road, Truck Road, and Purana Bazar-Dokan Ghar Road, have become waterlogged due to persistent rain. 

Rainwater has accumulated in numerous potholes, causing further distress to the local people. 

The streets are nearly deserted, with very few vehicles and people braving the 

Torrential rainfall forced most people to remain indoors on Saturday (14 September). 

However, hawkers, rickshaw pullers and day laborers ventured out, hoping to earn a living. 

Businesses opened after 10am, but due to the heavy rain, they were forced to close again soon.

Nurul Islam, a 35-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, shared his frustration: "I can't go anywhere due to the rain. Many auto-rickshaw drivers haven't even left their homes because of bad weather."

Abdur Rahim Mizi, a banana vendor from Bagadi Union, along with fellow vendor Kawsar Khan, said, "During the previous rain, severe waterlogging occurred in the Chandpur Irrigation Project area. Then the water receded, but now it's returning, causing new waterlogging. Last time, crops and fish farms were severely damaged."

Moinul Islam, a businessman from Purana Bazar, and resident Mizanur Rahman Said, "It's been raining heavily since morning. Public life is almost at a standstill. Roads are empty, and business has slumped."

In the Meghna River, waves have become violent, and fears of riverbank erosion are growing. 

Sukh Ranjan Das, a 68-year-old resident, said: "I couldn't go to work because of the rain. Fishermen are too afraid to venture into the river."

Businessman Abu Saeed and vegetable vendor Jahangir Alam noted the lack of customers, "No one is leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. The rain has been relentless since last night."

Adding to the woes, Chandpur has been suffering from severe power outages, with blackouts lasting 6-7 hours daily, increasing demand for backup power systems. 

Meteorologist Shah Md Shoaib said 47 millimetres of rain was recorded from Friday midnight to Saturday noon, with more rain expected.