Intermittent rains throughout Thursday disrupted daily life in Dhaka city as the rainfall led to waterlogging in many parts of the city.
Transport shortage in the city and long tailback on Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Narayanganj following the rainfall added to the difficulties.
Since Wednesday, Dhaka experienced intermittent drizzle and occasional downpours. It has caused the residents of the city significant inconvenience due to the resultant waterlogging.
Although the number of vehicles decreased on the city roads, the city dwellers were stuck in traffic jams due to the accumulation of water on the roads. Water flooded inside CNG vehicles, causing their engines to stall and worsening the traffic situation.
Women, children, office-goers and students were the worst sufferers. Many office-goers were seen heading towards their destinations on foot amid the rain as vehicles got stranded on the highway and many streets in Dhaka city.
Earlier, Bangladesh Meteriological Department predicted that due to active monsoon deep convection was taking place over North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Under its influence Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining Coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Payra were advised to hoist local cautionary signal no three. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution till the notice.
The BMD has forecast light to moderate rain across the country with moderately heavy to very heavy rainfalls in parts of Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal and Chattogram divisions.
According to the BMD’s latest bulletin, rainfall amounts could range from 44 mm to 289 mm over the next 48 hours, posing a significant risk of landslides in the hilly regions of Chattogram division.
This year's monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to mid-October, has been marked by unusually high rainfall, with meteorologists warning that the monsoon may persist longer than usual.
The extended monsoon raises concerns about potential flooding in the eastern and southern regions of the country, as well as the possibility of cyclone formation in the coming weeks, said the Met office bulletin.
Additionally, active monsoon conditions are contributing to the formation of deep circulating clouds over the North Bay of Bengal and adjacent coastal areas.
Fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal have been advised to stay close to the coast and exercise caution until further notice.
The country has experienced 46 percent more rainfall than average in August and 33 percent above normal levels in September, the bulletin added.
Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and follow local advisories as severe weather conditions continue to develop.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended the operation of launches and other riverine transport on several coastal routes from Dhaka, effective from this morning, due to adverse weather conditions.
According to a press release issued by the BIWTA, services have been suspended on the Dhaka-Hatia, Dhaka-Betua, Dhaka-Khepupara, Dhaka-Charmontaz, Dhaka-Rangabali, and Dhaka-Monpura routes.
On the other hand, a 10-kilometre-long tailback was created on Dhaka-Chattogram highway following the rainfall, causing suffering to commuters.
The taffic jam formed on the Narayanganj section of the highway in the morning, with authorities saying that continuous rain and vehicle breakdowns had caused the congestion, leading to severe passenger suffering.
The traffic jam – reported on the Chattogram-bound lane – stretched from Sanarpar in Siddhirganj to the Keodhala area on the highway.
According to police and local sources, the jam started at dawn as several vehicles broke down at different points on the highway due to continuous rain.
Office-in-Charge (OC) Kanchpur highway police station Kazi Wahid Morshed said the police were working to resolve the jam.
Locals said the traffic gridlock started on Wednesday night after the heavy rainfall that submerged some parts of the highway, resulting the traffic jam stretching from Siddhirganj’s Sanarpara to Bandar’s Keodhala area.
