Lakshmipur: Heavy rainfall in the district has led to severe water logging in different areas including the municipality, trapping thousands of residents. Meanwhile, due to the incessant rains for several days and the abnormal increase in the tidal water in the river, water is entering the localities in the coastal areas of Ramgati and Kamalnagar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ramgati Weather Warning Office reported that 225 mm, the highest rainfall of the season, was recorded in the last 24 hours. Meteorological Department official Md. Saurav Hossain stated that the additional rainfall is due to the influence of low pressure in the Bay of Bengal, active monsoon winds, and the full moon, with expectations for this weather pattern to persist for a few more days.
Students and working individuals have been confined to their homes due to the incessant rain. In Lakshmipur Municipality, water has accumulated in areas such as Samserabad, JB Road, College Road, Banchanagar, and Majupur, causing significant disruption. Fahim Hasan, a class ten student, expressed concerns about his studies being disrupted as exams approach. Similarly, CNG driver Selim Uddin and vegetable trader Firoz Alam shared their struggles, highlighting the economic impacts on low-income earners and market vendors.
Locals have complained that the inadequate drainage system, canal encroachment, and pollution have exacerbated the waterlogging situation. They fear prolonged suffering if the water is not removed swiftly. Additionally, there is a looming threat of flooding if the rains continue.
Lakshmipur Municipal Administrator Md. Jasim Uddin assured that efforts are underway to address the situation by cleaning the drainage systems to facilitate quicker water removal. The district, upazila, and municipality administrations are also working collaboratively to prevent future waterlogging by maintaining the canals around the city.
Deputy Commissioner Rajib Kumar Sarkar acknowledged the widespread waterlogging in the district due to continuous rain and indicated that executive officers in each upazila have been instructed to resolve the issues. Furthermore, eviction drives have been conducted in the canals throughout the month to ensure unobstructed water flow, as part of the district and upazila administrations’ efforts to mitigate the situation.