Ctg city records highest single-day rainfall in 42 years

The Chattogram city recorded the highest single-day rainfall in 42 years in the 24 hours till 3pm on Tuesday, as continuous rains since Sunday paralyses lives across the district.

As per the Patenga met office, 412.3 millimetres rainfall was recorded over the period.

The previous highest 24-hour period rainfall in the port city was recorded at 511 milimetres on 4 August 1983.

Sumon Saha, assistant meteorologist at Patenga Meteorological Office, told reporters that the rains are being caused by active monsoon westerlies. The Chattogram port has been asked to hoist Cautionary Signal No 3.

Incessant heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds, has inundated large parts of the city, submerged houses, killed one person, roads are filled with knee- to waist-deep water, road communication has been snapped in various parts of the district, the Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram rail link has been snapped, and three flights to the city’s international airport has been diverted.

Operations at Chattogram seaport has also been disrupted with 43 vessels stuck at the outer anchorage due to rough weather.

The Chattogram City Corporation has activated its 101-member Rapid Response Team to conduct emergency rescue and relief operations.

With the risk of landslides increasing around the hilly areas, the district administration has launched evacuation and awareness raising campaigns.

One person, Shafikul Rahman, died after a wall, weakened at the foundation by humid weather, collapsed on him in the city’s East Nasirabad area.

Three of his family members sustained injuries in the wall collapse.