42-Year Rainfall Record Broken as Chattogram Floods

Chattogram experienced its highest single-day rainfall in 42 years on Wednesday as heavy monsoon showers submerged large parts of the port city, causing severe waterlogging and disrupting normal life.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded 412.3 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours up to Wednesday morning, the highest daily rainfall in Chattogram since such records began 42 years ago, said Assistant Meteorologist Bashir Ahmed.

He said the extreme rainfall, combined with hill runoff and high tides in the Karnaphuli River, triggered widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas of the city.

The downpour, which began before dawn, inundated roads across Chattogram, leaving commuters, office-goers, students and pedestrians stranded. In several areas, water rose to knee and waist levels, severely affecting traffic movement.

Major roads and neighbourhoods, including Agrabad Access Road, Badamtali, Bakalia, Chandgaon, Mohra, Katalganj, Halishahar, Patenga, Chawkbazar and areas near the port, went under water.

In many places, roads and drainage channels became indistinguishable, forcing vehicles to move slowly, while smaller vehicles were unable to operate. Rainwater also entered homes and business establishments, worsening residents’ suffering.

The Met Office warned that active monsoon conditions may bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days, increasing the risk of prolonged waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Officials said the Chattogram City Corporation, with support from the Bangladesh Army, is carrying out drainage, canal and sewer cleaning operations in different parts of the city to speed up water drainage.

The district administration has advised residents in landslide-prone hill areas to remain alert and move to safer places if required.

Authorities also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow weather forecasts and official warnings.