Waterlogging in the capital due to continuous rain, city dwellers suffer from traffic jams; DMP issues warning

On Monday (July 13), the second working day of the week, rain starting from morning submerged most roads in low-lying areas of the capital in knee-deep water. The worst waterlogging was seen in various areas including Mirpur, Kazipara, Sheorapara, Pallabi, Old Dhaka, Bangshal, New Market, Kakrail, Karwan Bazar, Nayapaltan, and Motijheel.

The DMP traffic division said that due to water accumulation on the main road near the Dhaka Gate adjacent to Banani Graveyard, the ramp of the Banani-Kakli Expressway, and the ECB premises in front of Cantonment Girls School, vehicle movement is slow. Additionally, waterlogging on the road in front of Jamuna Future Park, along with ongoing repair work on Dhaka WASA pipelines, is further disrupting traffic.

Meanwhile, as the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination's Physics first paper was held on Monday, many examinees struggled to reach their exam centers on time due to waterlogging and traffic jams. People going to work and general pedestrians also had to remain stuck in long traffic jams.

Affected passengers complained that taking advantage of the adverse situation, rickshaws, CNG auto-rickshaws, and other transports are charging two to three times more than the usual fare. Moreover, in many places, vehicle engines stalled due to water accumulated on the roads, worsening the traffic jams.

Considering the overall situation, the DMP traffic division has urged city dwellers to leave home with necessary time in hand. Additionally, noting that waterlogging may increase further as rain continues, the police have also advised using alternative roads.

Meanwhile, on Monday afternoon, meteorologist Bazlur Rashid said that 40 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the capital from morning to noon. He said that rain may continue for another two to three days in Dhaka and the northeastern region of the country. After that, the intensity of rain may decrease for a few days, but if a new low-pressure area forms in the sea, rainfall may increase again after July 18-19.

He further said that the waterlogging and public suffering in the capital have increased due to an abnormal amount of rainfall in a short period. Therefore, he advised city dwellers to remain cautious while moving around until the situation returns to normal.