Dhaka’s monsoon misery: A perfect storm of neglect and climate change

Dhaka’s annual monsoon struggles are a recurring nightmare. This year, heavy rain again exposed the city’s vulnerabilities, turning streets into stagnant lakes.

While the downpour was significant, it shouldn’t have crippled the city. We must say years of neglect are the real culprit.

The drainage system choked with waste and crippled by encroachment, simply can’t handle the water influx.

Canals, the city’s natural rainwater arteries, are either clogged or have vanished entirely under the weight of unplanned development projects.

Experts point the finger at the city’s failure to maintain canals and the rampant encroachment by development projects.

Social media became a platform for residents to document their struggles and express their anger, showcasing the city’s submerged reality and indicting the authorities’ inaction.

However, the problem goes beyond a neglected drainage system. Dhaka’s monsoons are undergoing a transformation linked to climate change.

The total rainfall for July might remain constant, but how we experience it is shifting dramatically.

Instead of gentle, extended showers, we’re witnessing shorter bursts of intense rain. Studies show a decrease in rainy days alongside a rise in “extreme climatic events.”

A warming planet leads to increased evaporation and a greater atmospheric moisture-holding capacity, resulting in shorter, heavier bursts of rain.

Many parts of the world, especially climate-vulnerable countries, are experiencing similar extremes.

The impact on our city’s infrastructure, designed for a different monsoon pattern, is undeniable. Friday’s flooding serves as a stark warning.

The path forward demands a two-pronged approach. We urgently need to adapt our city – upgrading drainage systems and strengthening infrastructure to handle these sudden deluges.

But adaptation alone isn’t enough. We must also address the root cause: climate change.

Dhaka’s monsoon metamorphosis is a wake-up call. We need global action to curb greenhouse emissions and mitigate the worst effects of a changing climate. The future of our city, and our planet, depends on it.