Khulna News City Grapples with Waterlogging After Heavy Rainfall

Khulna, Bangladesh – The southern city of Khulna, a major industrial and port hub in Bangladesh, faced severe waterlogging on Tuesday after a night of heavy rainfall, disrupting daily life and raising concerns about urban infrastructure. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 120 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning, the highest in the region this monsoon season.

Streets in low-lying areas, including the Khulna Sadar and Sonadanga neighborhoods, were submerged under knee-deep water, causing traffic jams and forcing many residents to stay indoors. Local authorities deployed pumps to drain water from key roads, but progress was slow due to clogged drainage systems. The Khulna City Corporation said it is working to clear drains, but officials acknowledged that the city’s drainage network is outdated and inadequate for heavy rainfall events.

“This is a recurring problem,” said Md. Ruhul Amin, a resident of the Khalishpur area. “Every year, we face the same issue. The drains are not cleaned properly, and when it rains heavily, our homes and businesses get flooded.” The waterlogging also affected the Khulna- Dhaka highway, with vehicles moving at a crawl for several hours. No major accidents were reported, but commuters faced significant delays.

The situation has sparked renewed debate about urban planning in Khulna, which has grown rapidly in recent decades. The city, home to over 1.5 million people, is a key economic center due to its jute, textiles, and shrimp processing industries. However, its infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth and climate change impacts, experts say. “Khulna is particularly vulnerable to waterlogging because it is located in a low-lying delta region,” said Dr. Fatima Begum, an environmental scientist at Khulna University. “We need long-term solutions, such as improved drainage systems, rainwater harvesting, and better land-use planning.”

In response to the waterlogging, the Khulna City Corporation has announced a temporary task force to monitor flood-prone areas and coordinate emergency responses. Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque said the corporation is also seeking funds from the central government to upgrade the city’s drainage infrastructure. “We are aware of the problems, and we are taking steps to address them,” he told reporters. “But we need more resources to build a resilient city.”

International observers have noted that Khulna’s challenges are part of a broader trend in South Asian cities, where rapid urbanization and climate change are exacerbating flood risks. A 2023 report by the World Bank highlighted that cities like Khulna face a high risk of waterlogging due to a combination of heavy monsoon rains, rising sea levels, and inadequate drainage systems. The report recommended investments in green infrastructure, such as urban wetlands and permeable pavements, to mitigate future impacts.

Meanwhile, residents are bracing for more rain in the coming days, as the weather department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall for the next 48 hours. Many have taken precautions, moving valuables to higher ground and stocking up on essentials. Local schools and businesses in affected areas remained closed on Tuesday, with some shifting to remote operations.

As the city works to recover, the incident underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban development in Khulna. Without significant investment in infrastructure and climate adaptation, such disruptions are likely to become more frequent, experts warn. The situation also highlights the importance of community preparedness, as individuals and local groups step up to help each other during emergencies.