Dhaka deluged
Staff Reporter :
Prolonged torrential rain since early Friday morning has left multiple areas of Dhaka waterlogged, creating chaos for residents and commuters.
Pedestrians faced the daunting task of wading through knee-deep water, while drivers struggled to navigate inundated streets.
Although traffic was light on a Friday morning, those who ventured out with their cars had to maneuver through waterlogged streets.
Many vehicles broke down due to the waterlogging, and drivers were seen pulling their vehicles through the inundated roads, according to our correspondents and photographers at various spots in the city.
Small number of buses, which plied along the waterlogged roads, created waves, causing nuisance for rickshaw passengers.
Areas of the capital, including Fakirapool, Nayapaltan, Baitul Mukarram, Shantinagar, Arambag, Pragati Sarani, New Market, Bangshal, Mirpur Rokaya Sarani, Dayaganj intersection, Sayedabad Bus Terminal, Nimtali, Toyonobi Circular Road, Elephant Road, Matsya Bhaban, Dhanmondi, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Bijay Sarani, Mirpur Mazar Road, Indira Road, East Rajabazar, and Dhaka Gate VIP Road, were inundated due to the heavy morning rain. Many shops and houses in different areas were submerged as well.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a total of 130 millimeters of rainfall occurred in the six hours from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. “When the rainfall crosses 88 millimeters, we call it very heavy rain,” said Tariful Newaz, a meteorologist at BMD.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued a text message around noon, advising commuters to allow extra travel time as many roads were underwater. The DMP Traffic Division noted that many vehicles were breaking down on the roads due to the rainwater, creating traffic jams.
The BMD forecast predicts light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely to occur at most places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions; at many places over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places across the country.
Commuters who left home for work or essential services suffered on the roads due to the waterlogging and transport crisis. Rafiqul Islam, a candidate for the position of Transaction Service Officer at a private bank, traveled from Munshiganj to the capital’s Motijheel for his written exam.
Due to waterlogging and rain, the bank authorities postponed the 10:00 AM exam at T&T Government University College by an hour.
Sajid Hossain, a rickshaw passenger traveling from Banglamotor to Gulistan, said, “The entire road from Kakrail intersection to Paltan intersection is flooded. Around 10 CNGs and motorcycles are stuck on the road due to engine problems.”
In response to the crisis, over 5,000 cleaners and 10 Quick Response Teams (QRT) of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) have been engaged in addressing the waterlogging caused by the heavy rainfall.
Each QRT consists of 10 members and is actively operating in 10 different zones to ensure swift water drainage, according to a media release signed by DNCC Public Relations Officer Mokbul Hossain.
Residents are requested to inform the DNCC by dialing its hotline, 16106, if there is waterlogging, as the QRT will instantly respond.
As per the directive from Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam, various departments, including engineering and waste management, have been mobilized since early morning.
The waterlogging situation is being continuously monitored, with immediate measures being taken to address the issue.
