Several low-lying areas and roads in Chuadanga city have experienced waterlogging following several days of continuous rain.
Jaminur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Chuadanga Meteorological Office, said Chuadanga recorded 91mm of rainfall in the last 48 hours. This has caused significant hardship for residents across various parts of the city.
According to the Chuadanga Water Development Board, there is no risk of flooding in the Chuadanga region due to the opening of the Farakka Barrage. However, the water level in the Mathabhanga River has risen due to the ongoing rain, and the lack of proper drainage in low-lying areas could worsen the situation.
The waterlogging has caused severe problems for residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas. The daily lives of low-income residents and laborers have been severely disrupted, with rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers being hit particularly hard.
Montu Mia, a resident of Shantipara in Chuadanga, said that the road leading from his home to the main city has completely been submerged due to the rain. Parents have to take alternative routes to get their children to school. Despite the recurring problem of waterlogging every year during the rainy season, no measures have been taken.
Uzzal, a school teacher from the same area, said that daily activities have come to a halt as rainwater accumulates in front of his house, making it difficult to go out. Women are unable to leave their homes, and children are unable to study. He urged the administration to take action.
Rickshaw puller Hannan Mia said that the number of people on the streets has decreased due to the rain, and they have had a few passengers over the last 10-11 days, making it difficult to manage household expenses.
Sagar Hossain, an auto-rickshaw driver, added that fares are already low, and now there are even fewer passengers. The income barely covers fuel costs, making it hard for their families to survive.
Chuadanga Water Development Board Executive Engineer Arif Ahmed said, "We have noticed the problem of waterlogging in some low-lying areas of the city. We are trying to take necessary steps to drain out the water as soon as possible.
The water level of the Mathabhanga River rose by 2 cm at Hatboalia point on Tuesday. So far, the water is flowing 5 cm below the danger level, he said.
Usually, when the water level of the Padma river rises, Mathabhanga river swells too. However, the water of the Padma river has not yet entered the Mathabhanga River, If the water of Padma River enters the Mathabhanga, the water level is likely to rise, he added.
