Torrential monsoon rains that continued throughout the night have left several parts of Dhaka under water, crippling traffic movement and causing widespread suffering for commuters. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Dhaka recorded 97 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am today. The city's drainage systems collapsed in many areas due to the continuous heavy downpour.
Widespread Water Logging
BMD Assistant Meteorologist Afroza Sultana confirmed the 24-hour recording and added that an additional 82 mm of rainfall was recorded in the city between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm today. She warned that the rain is likely to continue until tomorrow (Monday). Widespread water logging was reported in various parts of the city, including Motijheel, Dilkusha, Tikatuli, Shantinagar, Badda, Green Road, Tejturi Bazar, Panthapath, Bashundhara Residential Area, Monipur, Dhanmondi 27 and 32, Mohammadpur, Shewrapara, and Kalshi.
Commuters Suffer
Knee-deep water on major thoroughfares drastically slowed down vehicle movement and forced pedestrians onto the main roads as footpaths went under rainwater. During visits to the affected areas, this correspondent found many office-goers wading through flooded footpaths in the Motijheel commercial area. Jahangir Alam, a commuter heading to his office in Dilkusha, said he had to abandon his auto-rickshaw midway due to water logging. "The rickshaw puller refused to move further into the knee-deep water. That’s why I am forced to walk through the flooded footpath just to reach my office. I have no other option to choice," he said.
Residents Stranded
Other residents reported that rainwater rose above knee level in many residential alleys, leaving them stranded and making it difficult to access main roads. The water logging also severely disrupted academic activities, with many students unable to reach their schools due to the submerged streets.
Challenges for Commuters
Despite the adverse weather, commuters had little choice but to brave the downpour. While umbrellas offered minor protection, many had to wade through stagnant, dirty water, soaking their shoes and clothes. The waterlogged roads drastically slowed the movement of rickshaws, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, and private vehicles. Waves created by passing heavy vehicles also splashed dirty water onto stranded pedestrians.
Impact on Daily Life
Kalpana Akter, a resident of the Tikatuli area, shared a similar plight. She noted that despite carrying an umbrella, she arrived at her workplace with completely soaked clothes and shoes. The continuous rain and resulting water logging have significantly impacted daily life in Dhaka, highlighting the need for improved drainage systems and infrastructure to handle such extreme weather conditions.
