Heavy Rain Leaves Dhaka Waterlogged, Life Disrupted

Heavy Rain Leaves Dhaka Waterlogged, Life Disrupted

Heavy rainfall on Saturday evening brought widespread waterlogging and severe disruption to life across Dhaka, leaving roads flooded and traffic at a standstill.

The downpour submerged several parts of the capital, including Sutrapur in Old Dhaka, where streets turned into murky canals. Vehicles crawled through knee-deep water with headlights on, while drenched pedestrians struggled to reach their destinations amid gridlocked traffic and slippery walkways.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the remnants of Cyclone Mocha— which earlier battered parts of Myanmar and India—have weakened into a low-pressure area, continuing to influence the country’s weather.

Sirajganj recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours with 166 mm, while Dhaka received 32 mm between the afternoon and evening. Other districts, including Tangail, Chapainawabganj, Satkhira, and parts of Rajshahi and Mymensingh divisions, also experienced heavy rain.

Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa cautioned that another low-pressure system may form over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, potentially bringing further rain or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 45–60 km/h. River ports in coastal and central areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal No. 1.

The Met Office forecast light to moderate rain for Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, and Sylhet divisions, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers expected in some areas.

With Dhaka’s drainage system already overwhelmed, city authorities are on alert as fears grow of prolonged flooding and worsening traffic conditions if the rain persists.