Heavy Rains Flood Khulna City, Causing Widespread Waterlogging

The roads of Khulna city are submerged due to heavy rains that caused severe waterlogging on Friday morning (July 11). The downpour has also led to flooding in some homes, significantly impacting the lives of poor and hard-working residents.

Local residents complain that even minor rainfall causes significant water accumulation, with major roads frequently experiencing jams. According to Amirul Azad, senior meteorologist at the Khulna Meteorological Office, the city received 97 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, with 63 mm falling between Friday morning and noon. The rain is attributed to the monsoon, and heavy showers are expected to continue throughout the day.

Several areas of Khulna city, including Khalishpur Muzgunna, Bastuhara Colony, Housing Area, Phulbari Gate, Railgate, Maheswarpasha, Daulatpur, New Road Junction, Alamnagar, Navy Checkpost, Rayermahal, Boyra Bazar, Gallamari, Mylapota, Royal Mor, Tutpara Jora Mill Bazar, Mahir Bari Khalpar, Rupsa Ghat, and New Bazar, have been submerged in rainwater.

Locals blame inadequate drainage maintenance for the persistent flooding. Despite heavy rains from 6 am to 9 am on Friday causing waterlogging at various intersections, this is not a new issue. Blocked drains and sewers, often clogged with polythene, dirt, and garbage, exacerbate the problem. Residents assert that regular cleaning of drains by the city corporation could prevent such waterlogging.

MA Sadi, a resident of Muzgunni Park area, recounted that the Muzgunni highway and surrounding roads were flooded by Thursday afternoon's rain and continued to be submerged on Friday morning. "Children are swimming in the water on the highway, and many are fishing in low-lying areas," he said, highlighting the severe impact on daily life and traffic.

Firoz Ahmed from Khalishpur housing area reported rainwater rising in his yard, back, and kitchen, preventing him from going to work. Labani Islam, a housewife in Nayabati area, described waking up to shoes and goods floating in her home, adding that regular drain cleaning could have alleviated the flooding.

According to Khulna City Corporation (KCC) sources, about two-thirds of the 1,215 roads within the city corporation area are submerged in rainwater. KCC has rebuilt 104 drains over the past six years and is working on re-digging seven canals and renovating 32 drains, with a budget of approximately 502 crore rupees.

In July 2018, a project costing Tk 823 crore was approved to develop Khulna's drainage system and eliminate waterlogging. Work on the first phase began in October 2020. Although covering drains in the new project prevents open garbage dumping, the lack of modern waste cleaning equipment results in blockages, delaying water removal from lower areas.

Khulna City Corporation Chief Conservation Officer Anisur Rahman stated, "We clean the drains regularly. Moreover, once the ongoing projects for the development of the drainage system and the digging of canals are completed, this waterlogging problem will no longer exist.