CHATTOGRAM, AUG 22, 2024 (BSS) - Water logging is witnessed every year in the port city despite completing 72 percent construction works of four ongoing projects involving Tk 143.90 billion to resolve decades-old water logging problem here.

Of them, the largest project of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) in co-operation of Army's 34th Engineer Construction Brigade cutting 36 canals in being implemented at a cost of TK 56.16 billion. The project cost has increased by more Tk 31 billion after its revise in November last year.

Besides, the Water Development Board has been spending Tk 16.20 billion on 'Chattogram City Flood Control, Water Submergence/Water logging Relief and Drainage Development' Project.

Incessant rain falls have caused flooding in different parts of the port city once again. Heavy rains have caused water logging in large areas of the city and upazilas, resulting in traffic jam in some areas.

Due to heavy rain, Water logging occurs in various parts of the city including Newmarket, Panchlaish, Katalganj, Chawkbazar, Muradpur, Shulakbahar, Gate No. 2, Baklia and Agrabad have been submerged under water.

Shops, businesses establishments and homes in the city are submerged in waist-deep water due to heavy rains. The people of the city suffered it greatly.

Met office sources said, the active seasonal winds in the area have led to persistent rain in the city since Aug 16. It has rained continuously since Wednesday evening and the rain only intensified on Thursday morning.

The sources added that a warning has been issued for heavy rains and created panic of landslides in Chattogram and nearby areas, "However, there is no warning at the sea port as there are no stormy winds."

Various areas of the Fatikchari and Raozan Upazilas of the district have been flooded since Wednesday afternoon due to continuous rain.

At least 10 lakhs people in 34 unions of these upazilas have become watertight. Considering the flood situation, 239 shelter homes and 290 medical teams have been kept ready.

Dr Mohammad Ilias Chowdhury, the district's Civil Surgeon, has ordered to prepare a total of 290 medical teams from each union, Upazila and Sadar hospital to deal with the situation amid risks of landslides, inundation and floods.

District Administration Assistant Commissioner Md. Fahmin Nabi said that considering the flood situation, 50 tons of rice has already been allocated on Thursday for the flood affected people here.
 
He said that there are enough stocks (medicines, saline, food saline, water purification tablets, etc.) to deal with it.

Patenga Meteorological Office in Chattogram said that 158.8 millimeters of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours till 3 pm on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall in Chattogram division under the influence of active monsoon.

District Civil Surgeon office control room number-02333354843 will be opened round-the-clock for any information-consultation. The Civil Surgeon specifically requested to take necessary initiatives in public interest to deal with any possible situation.