Chattogram experienced severe disruption today, August 7, 2025, due to prolonged overnight rainfall, leading to widespread waterlogging and infrastructure damage. Thousands of residents faced significant inconvenience as low-lying areas were submerged, with reports of knee-deep water in many locations. The heavy downpour also caused a critical infrastructure failure: a 45-year-old bridge over the Sheetal Jharna Canal on the Oxygen-Bayezid road partially collapsed early this morning. This incident, attributed to soil erosion exacerbated by recent canal expansion efforts, has severely impacted traffic flow on a vital city artery. The Ambagan Weather Office recorded 81mm of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding 9:00 am today, and the active monsoon season is predicted to continue bringing rain to the region until tomorrow.
Authorities have issued advisories for increased landslide risk in hilly terrains, urging residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer grounds. Residents have voiced concerns regarding the persistent waterlogging, pointing to clogged drainage systems and neglected canals. These issues raise questions about the efficacy of ongoing infrastructure projects and the substantial investments allocated to address the city's water management challenges. Chittagong, as Bangladesh's commercial capital, is historically familiar with monsoon-related waterlogging, which can inundate major roads and by-lanes, impacting the city's economy. Annual rainfall in Chittagong averages around 3,000 millimeters, with July being the wettest month, receiving an average of 568 mm of precipitation across approximately 19 rainy days. The monsoon season, from June to October, is characterized by warm, cloudy, and wet conditions. Efforts to mitigate waterlogging have been underway, with several large-scale drainage projects initiated in 2017. These projects, involving the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), and the Water Development Board (WDB), had an estimated combined cost of nearly Tk14,000 crore and were slated for completion by 2022. However, progress on these projects currently ranges between 60% and 80%, with delays attributed to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and uncoordinated efforts. Despite these initiatives, 22 of Chittagong's 41 wards continue to experience waterlogging during heavy rains and tidal surges, affecting over 3.1 million residents. The city's infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, a trend observed across South Asia. Experts note that historical data is becoming less reliable for future infrastructure risk assessments due to the escalating frequency of extreme weather. The partial collapse of the Sheetal Jharna Canal bridge underscores the critical need for robust infrastructure maintenance and adaptation to changing climatic conditions. While some areas have seen improved drainage due to canal renovation, the overall problem persists, highlighting the complex interplay of urban development, environmental factors, and climate resilience in Chittagong.
The bridge collapse has blocked one side of Bayazid Bostami Road, causing significant traffic congestion. Reports indicate that the bridge, over the Sheetal Jharna Canal, collapsed around 6:00 am today due to soil erosion. While limited traffic continues on the other side, the disruption has caused considerable public suffering. The rainfall, which subsided around 8:30 am, has led to receding waters in many areas.