Khulna City Grapples with Waterlogging After Heavy Monsoon Rains

KHULNA, Bangladesh – Residents of Khulna, a major city in southwestern Bangladesh, are facing severe waterlogging after days of relentless monsoon rains. The downpour, which began late Tuesday, has inundated low-lying areas, disrupting daily life and raising concerns about public health and infrastructure. Local authorities report that some neighborhoods have seen water levels rise up to two feet, stranding commuters and forcing the closure of several schools and businesses.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has attributed the heavy rainfall to a active monsoon trough over the Bay of Bengal, which has been drawing moisture-laden winds into the region. In the 24 hours ending Thursday morning, Khulna recorded 120 millimeters of rain, according to official data. This has overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, which many residents say is inadequate and poorly maintained. In areas such as Khalishpur, Sonadanga, and Rupsha, streets have turned into canals, with residents using boats and makeshift rafts to move around.

“I have not seen such flooding in years,” said Md. Rafiqul Islam, a shopkeeper in the Khalishpur area. “My shop is under water, and I have lost goods worth thousands of taka. The drains are clogged with garbage, and the city corporation is not doing enough.” His sentiment echoes that of many residents who have long complained about the lack of proactive measures by the Khulna City Corporation to prevent waterlogging.

In response, the city corporation has deployed pumps to drain water from the worst-affected areas. Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque, speaking to reporters on Thursday, said that all available resources are being utilized to alleviate the situation. “We are working round the clock to clear blocked drains and operate pumps. The rainfall has been unprecedented, but we are doing our best to minimize suffering,” he stated. However, he also acknowledged that the city’s infrastructure is aging and requires significant upgrades to handle such intense weather events.

The waterlogging has also raised health concerns, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases. Local health officials have warned residents to take precautions against dengue and cholera, which are common during the monsoon season. The Khulna Civil Surgeon’s office has distributed chlorine tablets and advised people to drink boiled water. In addition, emergency medical teams have been placed on standby.

Beyond the immediate impact on daily life, the flooding has disrupted transportation and economic activities. The Khulna-Dhaka highway, a vital artery for trade, has seen reduced traffic due to water on the road, leading to delays in the supply of goods. The city’s markets, including the popular New Market, have been partially closed, affecting vendors and consumers alike. Farmers in surrounding rural areas have also reported damage to crops, particularly rice paddies, which could affect local food prices in the coming weeks.

Environmental experts link the increasing frequency of such heavy rainfall events in Bangladesh to climate change. Dr. Ayesha Sultana, a climate scientist at Khulna University, noted that rising sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal are intensifying monsoon systems. “We are seeing more extreme rainfall in shorter periods, which our urban infrastructure is not designed to handle. Khulna, being a coastal city, is particularly vulnerable,” she explained. She called for long-term investments in climate-resilient drainage systems and urban planning.

At the national level, the government has pledged support. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated emergency funds and relief materials for affected families in Khulna. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Army has been asked to assist in rescue and relief operations if the situation worsens. As of Thursday evening, no casualties have been reported, but the city remains on alert as more rain is forecast for the next 48 hours.

For now, Khulna’s residents are left to navigate the murky waters, hoping for a quick end to the downpour and a more robust response from authorities. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by many Bangladeshi cities in adapting to a changing climate, where the line between seasonal inconvenience and crisis is becoming increasingly blurred.