Rain paralyses life in capital, causes fatalities

A mere 122 mm of rainfall brought life in the capital to a standstill last night and led to casualties, while other parts of the country also grappled with waterlogging as rain swept across several districts, starting at 6 pm.

Four people, including three from the same family, lost their lives due to electrocution in Dhaka‍‍`s Mirpur. The incident occurred on the opposite side of Jhilpar Slum, adjacent to Commerce College in Mirpur reports, UNB.

The incessant downpour led to severe waterlogging in various areas of Dhaka city, leaving commuters stranded and facing significant difficulties. Streets were inundated, and major roads experienced traffic congestion.

Numerous areas in the capital, including Mirpur 10, Mirpur 11, Shyamoli, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Purana Paltan, Gulistan, Old Dhaka, Bangshal Road, Bijoy Sarani, Eskaton, Farmgate, and Tejgaon, were submerged in floodwaters.

Meteorological officials attributed the persistent rainfall and thunderstorms in Dhaka city to a low-pressure area over the Northwest Bay and adjoining regions, now situated over Jharkhand, India.

Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), reported that 122 mm of rainfall was recorded in the capital, with rain continuing until around 12 am.

At the time of filing this report, several parts of the capital, including Bongshal, Siddik Bazar, Dhaka University area, and some areas of Khilgaon, Rampura, and Old Dhaka, remain underwater.

A heart-wrenching video circulated on social media platforms yesterday night, showing a seven-year-old child being rescued from the floodwaters in the Mirpur area. Tragically, the child‍‍`s parents and sister lost their lives due to electrocution in the water, while the child was found unconscious. In the video, one local resident is seen pulling the child out of the stagnant water, while others attempt to rescue additional victims using bamboo pipes.

Office-goers, particularly those employed in the private sector, endured tremendous hardships while returning home amidst the heavy rainfall and ensuing traffic gridlock, given that their work hours extend into the night.