36 Shelters Prepared in Patiya Amid Heavy Rain Risk

Authorities in Patiya, Chattogram, have taken precautionary measures as the risk of waterlogging, riverbank erosion and flash floods has increased due to continuous heavy rainfall. A total of 36 educational institutions have been prepared as temporary shelters, mobile medical centres and relief distribution points to deal with any possible emergency situation.

The information was announced in an emergency notice signed by Patiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farhanur Rahman on Wednesday (8 July) night.

According to the upazila administration, prolonged rainfall and water flowing down from upstream areas could worsen flooding conditions in several low-lying parts of Patiya. Authorities are also concerned about possible riverbank erosion in riverside areas, landslides near hilly zones and sudden surges of water from surrounding hills.

As part of early preparations, selected schools and colleges have been kept ready to accommodate people from vulnerable areas if evacuation becomes necessary. The shelters will also be used for providing emergency medical support, essential food supplies and relief assistance if the situation deteriorates.

The administration has advised families living in risk-prone areas to remain alert and prepare in advance. Residents have been encouraged to keep important documents, dry food, drinking water, medicines, baby food and essential household items ready so that they can move to nearby shelters quickly if required.

Special caution has been issued for people living in areas vulnerable to river erosion, low-lying settlements and communities located close to hills. These areas often face greater risks during periods of intense monsoon rainfall due to rapid increases in water levels and unstable terrain conditions.

Patiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farhanur Rahman said the administration was maintaining the highest level of preparedness considering the current weather situation. He urged residents of vulnerable locations to make arrangements to move to safer places before conditions become critical.

“We have kept the necessary arrangements ready for shelters, mobile medical services and relief operations,” he said.

He also advised people not to remain in unsafe homes by taking unnecessary risks. The safety of children, women, elderly people and those with health concerns should receive priority during any emergency, he added.

Local representatives, union councils, volunteers and relevant government departments have been instructed to work together and maintain coordination. Residents have also been asked to inform the administration immediately if any emergency situation develops in their areas.

The upazila administration said additional shelters would be opened immediately if the situation worsens. Relief distribution, medical assistance and rescue operations would also be expanded to support affected communities.

Authorities have urged residents not to rely on rumours and to follow official instructions during the period of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, rainfall has already started affecting daily life in different parts of Patiya. Waterlogging in low-lying areas, damage to unpaved roads and the possibility of rainwater entering agricultural fields have raised concerns among local residents.

Officials and local communities believe that keeping shelters prepared before any major disaster occurs could help reduce potential losses and ensure a faster response if flooding or other weather-related emergencies develop.