Following a few days of dry weather, Dhaka on Monday experienced a sudden and continuous downpour for several hours, caused due to a deep depression in the Bay.
While roads were inundated due to water accumulation, a transportation crisis unfolded. Even though rickshaws were available, their drivers were demanding double the usual fare. Adding to the woes, rain caused waterlogging in several parts of the city, especially in low-lying areas.
The downpour and waterlogged streets also caused suffering to the people attending the Durga Puja.
The Met Office said that rain also lashed several parts of the country and predicted light to moderate rain and thundershower, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, in most places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions for the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile, maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra were advised to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 as a deep depression over Westcentral Bay and adjoining area moved slightly north-northeastwards and lies in the same area.
If the deep depression intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named “Hamun”, a name given by Iran.
Due to the inclement weather, Cox’s Bazar district administration has taken different measures.
Around 1,500 tourists staying on the Saint Martin’s Island were moved to Teknaf on three ships. The ships were sent in the morning.
Additional District Magistrate of Cox's Bazar Md Yamin Hossain said the chairman of St Martin’s Union and the police were asked to ensure that no tourists stay on the island.
He said until the weather conditions improve, the tourist ship operations will remain suspended.
Tourists coming to Cox's Bazar beach were asked to bathe carefully. The district Tourist Police is also discouraging them from going into deep water.
Our Cox’s Bazar Correspondent Abdul Aziz contributed to the report.