A small amount of rain has caused severe flooding and traffic chaos in Chattogram, leaving commuters stranded and roads nearly unusable.

Around 100 meters of road near the Probhatok intersection on O.R. Nizam Road went underwater beneath dark, dirty, foul-smelling water. The wheels of private cars and CNG-powered auto-rickshaws were sinking as they tried to cross. Water splashed toward roadside shops as vehicles moved through, while both sidewalks were also submerged.

Pedestrians struggled to cross the flooded stretch. Many removed their shoes and rolled up their clothes before stepping into the water, while others carefully balanced along the road divider. Long lines of vehicles built up on both sides, creating severe traffic congestion across the area.

The situation was observed around noon on Monday after light morning rain. According to the Ambagan weather office, only 2 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the previous 24 hours. Despite the minimal rain, the road flooded quickly.

One major cause appears to be ongoing expansion work on the Hijra Canal beside the road. Temporary barriers placed at the canal’s entrance have disrupted water drainage, causing water to overflow onto the street. Locals say water has been collecting there daily for nearly a month, even without rainfall.

Traffic jams stretched through nearby areas including GEC Circle and Golpahar. A journey of less than half a kilometer reportedly took over an hour.

Residents and drivers expressed frustration, fearing worse conditions during the full monsoon season. Shop owners said business stops whenever the water rises, while drivers said they now avoid the route entirely.

Officials from Chattogram City Corporation said the canal has narrowed significantly over the years due to illegal encroachment, reducing its width in some places from around 30 feet to just 12 to 15 feet. The city corporation has informed the engineering team responsible for the ongoing project.