Chattogram sees record 386mm of rain, may continue for a few more days

Beside waterlogging in different parts of the city, there is a risk of short-term flooding in low-lying areas

Chattogram has recorded the highest rainfall of the season, triggering waterlogging in several parts of the city and raising concerns about short-term flooding in low-lying areas.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, rainfall is likely to continue for another five days due to the influence of a depression and the active monsoon.

The Patenga Meteorological Office reported that 386.8mm of rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours to 12pm on Tuesday, marking the highest rainfall of the season. During the same period, the Ambagan Weather Station recorded 300mm of rainfall.

The rain began on Sunday morning and intensified into extremely heavy showers on Monday. After persistent rainfall throughout Monday, torrential rain continued overnight and was still falling on Tuesday morning.

As a result, several parts of the city, including Agrabad Commercial Area, CDA Residential Area, Katalganj, Panchlaish, Kapasgola, Chawkbazar, Halishahar K and L Blocks, Rampur, Tin Poler Matha, Batali Road, Maulvi Pukur Par on Arakan Road, and the C&B area, are waterlogged.

The waterlogging is spreading as the day rolls on. Mud washed down from surrounding hillsides has also been seen flowing into different parts of the city alongside the rainwater.

Mohammad Abdur Rahman Khan, deputy director of the Chattogram Meteorological and Geophysical Centre, told bdnews24.com:

"This is the highest 24 hours of rainfall recorded during the current monsoon season. It is also the highest rainfall recorded over the past several years. Due to the depression and the active monsoon, heavy rainfall is expected to continue until Jul 11."

He added:

"As a result, water levels in the rivers across the Chattogram region may rise, leading to short-term flooding. Waterlogging will continue in various parts of the city because such a large volume of rain cannot drain away quickly. In addition, during high tide, rainwater cannot flow into the sea. It will only be able to drain during low tide. Intermittent heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next few days."

[Updates to follow]