KHULNA, Jun 22: The normal work of Mongla port including loading and unloading of export and import cargo on board was hampered as heavy rainfall has been prevailing from Saturday morning.
The port authorities hoisted cautionary signal no. 3 and asked the ML /MV type ships not to resume operation until the weather condition improved. All fishing boats and trawlers were also advised to stay at safe shelters.
Khulna and its adjoining areas experienced heavy rainfall during the last twenty-four hours. Local weather office recorded 90 millimetres of rainfall in Khulna during the last twenty-four hours. Low-lying areas in the city were inundated following the rainfall and electricity supply was suspended. Vehicular traffic virtually went off the street today while very few rickshaws and easy bikes were found plying in the street defying the inclement weather.
Many city areas went under knee-deep water during the rainfall and business establishments in some low-laying areas were submerged by rainwater. Transport problems caused untold sufferings to the commuters. Rickshaw pullers and three wheelers were seen demanding excessive fare from the commuters taking advantages of the bad weather and thin traffic.
Meanwhile, congestion of vehicles in some important city streets including Picture Palace, Dak Bangla, Moylapota areas, Shib Bari crossing was seen as heavy onrush of rainwater in those streets forced large number of vehicles autorikshaws, easy bikes remained stationery.
The downpour caused severe water-logging in Hazi Moshin Road, Khan Jahan Ali Road, Tank Road, City's Royal Chattar, Baghmara, Sheikhpara, Chanmari, Boyra, Shantidham Square, Siddikia Mohalla and other low-lying areas of the city. Water got into many residential houses of the areas causing unbearable miseries to the dwellers of the city.
Busy city roads went under water even after light to moderate rainfall due to lack of proper drainage system as almost all the drains and canals in the city have been narrowed by the grabbers. Many of them have already built pucca building and commercial establishments, encroaching upon the streams and city canals.
Local people alleged the KCC's sanitation department does not clean the drains regularly. Besides, the authorities are not sincere to evict the grabbers. Though the drains and the filled city canals have been excavated and re-excavated, and illegal structures on the canals were demolished several times in the past, the problem of water-logging still persists to the dismay of the people.
