C T Online Desk: Thousands of families are marooned in Chittagong due to incessant rains for six consecutive days. Waterlogging has increased due to rains since Sunday morning, halting vehicular movement on many roads.
Parts of Chittagong have gone under knee- to waist-deep water due to incessant rainfall since Thursday midnight, leaving people in immense trouble.
At least 250 businesses in the city’s Reazuddin Bazar have been badly damaged in the water. On the other hand, risky settlements are being relocated due to the fear of loss of life due to landslides. The district administration is conducting the drive. As many as 19 shelters have been opened for those who live at risk in the hills.
Ujjwal Kanti Nath, assistant meteorologist, Chittagong met office, said: “We recorded 218mm of rainfall in the 24 hours till 9am on Sunday. There is a possibility of landslides. The matter has already been reported to the authorities. The rainfall is due to a low-pressure area. Rain is likely to continue for three more days till August 9.”
Rakibul Hasan, a local resident, said: “Thousands of families in the area have been marooned for three days. The residents of the colonies, in particular, are suffering due to waterlogging. Water has also entered the ground floor of most of the buildings. In the past, rain would lead to some waterlogging, but this time it has worsened. Because many roads here have been developed in the last few years. That’s why the roads are elevated. However, the colonies and houses were not allowed to be raised that way. Now the residents here are suffering due to a little rain.”
Meanwhile, clay stoves have also been submerged in many homes. These families have not been able to cook for at least three days. In particular the low-income people living in the colonies are more affected by waterlogging. These families alleged that they have not yet received food assistance from the government.
Imdadul Haque Badshah, Chittagong metro Jubo Dal organizing secretary, said: “Thousands of families here have been marooned for three days in different areas including DC Road, Shantinagar, Rasulbagh, Bogabil in Baklia. Most of the houses have water on their beds. Clay stoves are submerged. On Saturday night, we distributed food to about 500 families. ”
“A little rain led to waterlogging in the low-lying areas of Baklia in the city. This time, the waterlogging has broken all previous records. In the past, waterlogging was a concern after 300-400mm of rain, but now just 60-70mm exacerbates the issue. Despite investing thousands of crores to prevent waterlogging, nothing seems effective. All the funds appear to be flowing away, literally.”
Salah Uddin, a cloth trader at Reazuddin Bazar, said: “The waterlogging caused by this year’s rain has caused a lot of damage to the market. At least 250 businesses were damaged, especially in Saturday’s waterlogging. The water level in Riazuddin market has increased due to rain since Sunday morning. Various types of products, including clothes, have been damaged here. Many products were washed away by the current. It has caused a huge loss of money.”
The home of Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury has been underwater for three days. Waist-high water has accumulated in front of his house. Besides, water has entered the warehouses of various products in Chaktai-Khatunganj.
Besides, waterlogging has occurred in different parts of the city including Baklia, Mia Khan Nagar, Master Pool, Chawk Bazar, etc.
Meanwhile, vulnerable settlements are being removed from the hills due to the fear of landslides. The district administration has opened 19 shelter homes for these residents. More than 250 families have already been moved to these shelters.
Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman said: “We are working to ensure that people do not die in the hills. The district administration team is working round the clock to make everyone aware. On Saturday night, I myself evacuated 250 families from the vulnerable hills to shelters. From dry food to every meal, arrangements have been made for them.”
