Live Correspondent: Heavy downpours triggered waterlogging in many places of the capital on Saturday, causing immense sufferings for commuters. The downpours occurred between the early morning and the afternoon, flooding many roads and alleys in the capital. The rainwater entered many homes and shops. Many lanes, by-lanes and roads went under knee-to-waist-deep water, disrupting traffic and public movement. Due to the waterlogging, long gridlocks were created on the roads.

Hundreds of vehicles got stranded in the stagnant water on most roads and thoroughfares in Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Rampura, Badda, Uttara, Moghbazar and Old Dhaka. The residents of these areas suffered much while crossing the flooded roads and lanes and by-lanes.

Locals alleged that the drainage system of these areas has been in poor condition for a long time. Due to the poor drainage system, light rains are causing waterlogging in the areas.

Meteorologist Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam Mallick said, “Dhaka received 111mm of rain from 8:00am to 3:00pm. There is a possibility of more rain on Saturday.”

According to the meteorologist’s forecast of rain, the city-dwellers will have to suffer more from this problem of waterlogging next week. There is a possibility of more rains from June 8, he said. Earlier, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam said the city has the infrastructure to drain up to 85 mm of rain.

But on Saturday, the capital recorded 111mm of rain. Bangshal in Old Dhaka, Parliament House area in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Asad Gate, Mirpur-10, Mazar Road, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Badda Link Road and others areas were submerged in the afternoon.

Knee water appeared on the main road in Nikunja residential area of the capital at noon. Mamun Hossain, a resident of the area, said, “I have been here for the last five years. When it rains, it sinks regularly, which used to happen occasionally.”

Over the last few years, heavy rains and waterlogging have become synonymous for Mirpur. This issue has gone to the level of a joke.

Even on Saturday, various areas of Mirpur, including Mirpur-10, went under water in the morning and in the afternoon. Office-goers suffered a lot in the morning. Due to rain since the morning, a lot of water has accumulated on the roads in Asad Gate and Dhanmondi-27 areas. Local residents suffered a lot.

On June 1, the first heavy rains of this year caused severe waterlogging in most parts of the capital. As a result, the limits of suffering exceeded. It rained 80mm in Dhaka that day.

The Met office said light-to-moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at many places over Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions; at a few places over Rajshahi & Rangpur divisions and at one or two places over Khulna & Barishal divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country.

Dhaka, June 05 (campuslive24.com)//BSC