Persistent heavy rainfall, coupled with hill runoff and high tides in the Karnaphuli River have triggered widespread waterlogging in Chattogram city, severely disrupting normal life and transport.

Large parts of the port city remained submerged on Tuesday, leaving office-goers, students, airport-bound passengers, pedestrians and daily wage earners struggling to reach their destinations.

A visit to different parts of the city in the morning found knee- to waist-deep water inundating roads in several areas.

Many commuters were seen rolling up their trousers or carrying their shoes while wading through floodwaters.

Several motorcycles and private vehicles broke down after being submerged, causing traffic congestion on major roads.

Public transport services were also reduced, forcing passengers to wait for extended periods at bus stops while many had to pay higher fares to reach their destinations.

After two days of intermittent rain, Chattogram has experienced continuous heavy downpours since Monday night, resulting in extensive waterlogging across the city.

Residents said roads in Agrabad Access Road, Badamtali, Katalganj, Chandgaon, Bakalia, Chawkbazar, Mohra and Patenga were submerged under knee- to waist-deep water.

In some areas, roads and drains became indistinguishable, making movement hazardous.

Small vehicles were unable to operate in several localities while some residents remained stranded in their homes.

However, no significant waterlogging was reported in GEC Circle, Gate No. 2, Sholoshahar, Muradpur and Bahaddarhat.

Mohammad Faruk, a small trader near the Eastern Refinery Gate in Patenga, said floodwater has entered shops and houses, leaving many residents confined indoors.

Akbar Hossain, a student from Akmal Ali Road in South Halishahar under EPZ Police Station, said waist-deep water have accumulated in the area since Monday, with floodwater entering the ground floor of residential buildings.

Passengers also alleged that conductors on Route No. 2 buses operating between Bahaddarhat and New Market were charging an additional Tk 10 per passenger for boarding and alighting despite protests.

The continuous rainfall and tidal surge have also inundated low-lying parts of Chawkbazar and Bakalia, creating flood-like condition.

Thousands of residents remained trapped in their homes as dirty water from overflowing drains mixed with tidal water flooded roads and alleys.

Students were among those worst affected.

Tabassum, a student of Chattogram College, said she was unable to attend classes because of the severe flooding and had to return home.

Residents of Chawkbazar said submerged roads prevented many people from going to work, disrupting their daily livelihoods.

Mahmudul Alam, an official of the Patenga Meteorological Office, said 259 millimetres of rainfall were recorded in Ambagan area and 330.8 millimetres in Patenga during the 24 hours until 9 am Tuesday.

Of that, 60 millimetres fell in Patenga between 6 am and 9 am alone.

He said Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 remained in force for the maritime ports.

Authorities have also warned of possible landslides and further waterlogging due to extremely heavy rainfall.

High tide in the Karnaphuli River, expected around 11:45 am, could further worsen flooding in low-lying areas if heavy rain continues, he added, urging residents living near hills to remain on maximum alert against possible landslides.

Meanwhile, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain inspected several waterlogged areas on Tuesday morning and directed officials to remain in the field to oversee drainage operations and emergency response efforts.

The mayor said city corporation officials and workers have been working continuously for the past three days to tackle the situation and expressed hope that floodwaters would recede quickly once the rainfall subsides.