Continuous heavy rainfall overnight has caused severe waterlogging in Cumilla city, leaving roads, residential areas and low-lying neighbourhoods submerged and causing immense suffering to residents.

Around 107 millimetres of rain was recorded in just three hours from Monday morning to 9am, turning many parts of the city into waterlogged areas. In some places, water has risen to knee level, while some areas have been inundated up to the waist.

Thousands of people are facing hardship as rainwater has entered homes and businesses. Low-income families, daily wage earners and workers have been among the worst affected.

Since Monday morning, most of the city’s roads have remained under water, disrupting traffic movement. Office-goers have faced difficulties reaching their workplaces, while many students were seen heading to schools and colleges in soaked clothes. Parents have also expressed concern over their children’s safety due to the waterlogging.

The worst-affected areas include Zilla School Road, Police Lines, Race Course, Chartha, Thakurpara, BSCIC Industrial Park, Gobindapur, Muradpur and nearby Chhayabitan area.

Water has entered many homes, shops and low-lying buildings. In several places, overflowing drains have spread dirty water mixed with waste onto roads, worsening public suffering.

Taking advantage of the situation, some rickshaw and battery-powered auto-rickshaw drivers have increased fares by up to double, forcing passengers to pay extra.

The Cumilla Meteorological Office said 138.2 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the district in the last 24 hours. Of this, 107 millimetres was recorded between Monday morning and 9am.

The weather office has forecast more heavy rainfall throughout the day, raising concerns that the waterlogging situation may worsen further.