Several days of continuous rainfall have left Noakhali district town and surrounding upazilas submerged under water, exposing the fragile drainage infrastructure and disrupting daily life for thousands of residents.
Key roads, residential neighborhoods, commercial areas and public spaces are submerged, severely affecting daily life.
The town’s already weak drainage system has failed to cope with the heavy downpour, worsening the situation.
As a result, school and college students, office-goers and pedestrians are facing immense difficulties navigating flooded streets.
Water has entered homes, shops and various government and private establishments in areas such as the central municipal market, New Housing Estate, Khandakar Para, Al Farooq School Road and the Pach Rastar Mor area.
Local residents say waterlogging has become an annual crisis, occurring even after light rainfall due to the absence of a proper drainage system.
“Even small amounts of rain cause water to enter our homes and damage our belongings,” said one resident. “If sustainable drainage solutions are not implemented soon, the town may face permanent waterlogging issues.”
Md Rafiqul Islam, acting officer at Noakhali Meteorological Office, reported that 160 millimeters of rainfall were recorded in the 24 hours leading up to 9 AM on Thursday.
He warned that more rain is expected in the coming days.
Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Istiak Ahmed, currently in Dhaka, said, “We are aware of the waterlogging issue and have discussed it multiple times.
The matter is being taken seriously.”
