Rain causes waterlogging, traffic chaos in Dhaka

The monsoon rain has submerged multiple areas of Dhaka as the Met Office recorded the season's second-highest rainfall with 121mm on Thursday afternoon, according to a BSS report. "We recorded the highest rainfall with 139mm in Dhaka city on June 12 this year, while the second-highest rainfall, at 121mm was recorded today from 1pm to 3pm," Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) meteorologist Bazlur Rashid told BSS. "July and August are the months with the highest precipitation of the rainy season. The Met Office has recorded more rain than is normal in July. We predict even more rainfall than normal during this month [August]," he said. Waterlogging is common in Dhaka during the monsoon, as even moderate rainfall is enough to submerge its different areas. According to experts, the city’s poor drainage system is largely responsible for the waterlogging. They suggest improving it as well as recovering the canals and water bodies around Dhaka to get rid of the floodwaters. Meanwhile, most areas including Rokeya Sarani, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Senpara Parbata, Merul Badda, Bijoy Sarani, Mouchak, Malibagh, Shantinagar and Arambagh were inundated due to the downpour. Commuters faced severe problems in reaching their destinations due to a lack of transport. City residents were seen stranded for hours in the traffic jam. Those who were able to obtain transport faced further problems, as rickshaw pullers and CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers charged excessive fares, taking advantage of the inclement weather. Low-income residents, especially day labourers, suffered much as well since the rains disrupted their normal pace of life.