Record rainfall causes sufferings to Rangpur people

The Rangpur city is still under water after it has seen 433 millimetres (mm) of rainfall – a record in one century – in two phases in 30 hours.

Some 200,000 dwellers, including dwellers of 113 slums, are in the worst condition in the city. Besides, a food shortage has broken out while the affected people have not received any support from anywhere.

Many streets have been submerged, causing trouble to the slum dwellers especially. They are spending nights under the open sky on roadsides. They have no place to keep their cattle too.

Rezia Begum of Shyamasundari Math in Nurpur said she did not witness such rainfalls in her entire life.

Many streets have been submerged causing trouble for commuters. Photo: TBS

"The rainfall has caused waterlogging in 148 neighbourhoods of the Rangpur city. So, the people of the waterlogged areas are suffering."  

Sikender Ali of Jummapara said no one stood by the affected people even after 48 hours of the natural calamity.

"The people in shelters are crying for food. Many of the affected people are moving out in search for a job," he said.  

Former woman councillor Ripa Akhter said even though water receded from the city's main road, potholes have developed in the streets.

Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) Panel Mayor Mahmudur Rahman Titu said, "We are taking steps to quickly drain the water out. The water will recede in a day or two."

However, the city people still have tread a waist-deep water to move to different places. Markets are also closed due to the rainfall.

The slum dwellers of Rangpur city are the most sufferers of the flood as many of them have to spend night on roads. Photo: TBS

RCC Mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa said the heavy rains caused the waterlogging.

"However, proper arrangements have been made for the water drainage. Relief assistance will be provided for those who are suffering," he added.

Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Asif Ahsan said representatives from the deputy commissioner had been sent to each area.

"Arrangements are underway to assist those who have suffered the most and are in a distress. However, the cooperation of the city corporation councillors is also required," he said.