As monsoon rambled, roads became rivers

Incessant monsoon rains crippled the capital Dhaka on Friday (12 July) morning as streets transformed into knee-deep rivers, leaving residents trudging through a watery obstacle course well into the late evening in some areas.

A total of 130mm of rain was recorded in 6 hours, said the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

This deluge, while not as intense as Cyclone Remal's 223mm in 24 hours, was unprecedented in its rapid downpour.

Kakrail, Mouchak, Malibagh, Shantinagar, Farmgate, Badda, Moghbazar, Mirpur, and Khilkhet witnessed the most severe waterlogging.

The sudden surge overwhelmed the city's drainage system, causing havoc for everyone.

Weekend shoppers, vacation travellers, and even morning joggers found their journeys transformed into a murky water adventure.

The rainwater didn't just impede movement, it also damaged vehicles, with motorists reporting engine trouble due to water infiltration.

City authorities scrambled to address the crisis.

Dhaka North deployed 5,000 sanitation workers and 10 quick response teams, while their southern counterparts mobilised 100 teams. 

The root cause of the problem lies in a combination of factors.

The Dhaka South City Corporation blames the ongoing metro rail construction for damaging drainage systems in key areas. Additionally, blockages caused by other development projects and the rampant issue of plastic waste clogging drains further compound the situation.

Finger-pointing doesn't solve a city underwater.

While authorities acknowledge infrastructure limitations, they also emphasise the need for civic responsibility.

Encroachment on canals and indiscriminate waste disposal by residents contribute significantly to the waterlogging woes.

Dhaka's monsoon woes highlight the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach.

Upgrading infrastructure, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and fostering civic consciousness all play a crucial role in ensuring a more resilient capital city.

As the Met Office forecasts continued rain, Dhaka residents can only hope for a reprieve and a city that can weather the storm, both literally and metaphorically.