Md Hossain, Hathazari (Chattogram)

Continuous rains have triggered severe flooding across several unions of Hathazari upazila in Chattogram, leaving many areas cut off and hundreds of roads damaged.

The water level in the Halda River rose sharply over the past few days, submerging rural roads in Garduara, Madarsha, Guman Mardan and Chipatali unions.

Communication in these areas has been disrupted as floodwater continues to flow over roads and culverts.

Waterlogging remains acute along the Oxygen-Hathazari road, particularly in the Baradighi Par area. Accumulated water on stretches of the road has hampered vehicular movement, causing immense suffering for commuters and local residents.

Locals allege that the problem recurs every monsoon due to narrow and clogged drainage canals in the area. “The drains get blocked and water has nowhere to go. The same situation happens every year,” said a resident of Baradighi Par.

In Shikarpur Najumia Hat area, rural roads have also gone under water. According to local accounts, more than 100 roads have been damaged across different unions. Key routes including Ichapur Mufti Faiz Ullah Road and Ajijia Mojidia Road in Mekhal Union have developed large potholes and broken edges, cutting off communication with the union entirely.

“Because of the water flow we cannot move. People are struggling to even go from one house to another,” said a local resident.

The Upazila Engineering Department confirmed extensive damage to the road network.

“There has been a lot of damage to the roads due to the flood. Once the water recedes, we will take initiative to repair the important roads on a priority basis,” an official from the department said.

Relief and restoration work is yet to begin in the worst-hit unions as water remains stagnant in low-lying areas.