Cyclone Remal causes heavy rain, waterlogging in Chattogram

Chattogram has been experiencing heavy rain under the influence of Cyclone Remal, which resulted in flooding in the low-lying areas of the city. 

According to Chattogram's Patenga Meteorological Office, 205.4 mm of rain was recorded in the city over the past 24 hours, from 9am yesterday (26 May) to 9am today (27 May).

This morning alone - between 6-9am - 132 millimetres of rainfall was recorded. 

The district is expected to experience continuous rain throughout the day, Duty Officer MHM Mosaddek of the Chattogram Meteorological Office told The Business Standard.

There is a heavy chance of rain tomorrow (28 May) as well, he added. 

In response to the cyclone, 1,034 shelters were opened in 15 upazilas including Chattogram Sadar on Saturday night (25 May). Additionally, 221 medical teams have been prepared to address any emergencies.

Chattogram District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md Saifullah Majumder noted that no significant damage has been reported in Chattogram so far. 

Around 12,000 people have taken shelter in the district's cyclone shelters. Besides, 696 cattle have been safely moved to the shelter," he said. 

However, heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several low-lying areas of the port city. Waterlogging has been reported in Halishahar, Pahartali, GEC, Bahaddarhat, Baklia, Chawkbazar, and Bayezid areas.

Halishahar Akmal Ali Ghat's embankment has been slightly damaged due to the impact of Cyclone Remal. 

Abul Basar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman, deputy commissioner of Chattogram, said, "Last night, I visited the areas marked as risky. Of the 2,500 families living in Akmal Ali Ghat fishing village, 2,000 have been rescued and taken to the nearest shelter. 

"The embankment adjacent to Akmal Ali Ghat has been damaged but authorities have ordered immediate repair work."