Dhaka deluged by downpour

Rain dampens Eid holiday celebrations
Dhaka city dwellers had to endure ankle to knee-deep stagnant water in many areas yesterday as torrential downpour flooded many streets since Monday.
Rain also affected Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations and many had to offer their Eid prayers in the rain. The day after Eid was also wet.
The spell may continue for the next one week with a two-day break on Thursday, according to the Met Office.
Dhaka city experienced 44mm of rain between 6:00am and 11:00am on Eid day and 30mm the day after Eid. The capital experienced 58mm of rain yesterday in six hours between 7:00am and 1:00 pm, the Met office added.
Other areas of the country, however, did not face heavy showers yesterday except in the coastal belt, according to the Met office.
Shah Alam, deputy director of the Meteorological Department, told The Daily Star that the country especially Dhaka is experiencing rain since the monsoon is moderately active. He said the monsoon would remain active till October 15.
Shah Alam said the weather might remain fine from Thursday afternoon to Friday and the country will face rain again from Sunday that might continue for the next three to four days with scattered showers.
Pallabi, Mirpur Section-10, Kazipara, Sheorapara, Paikpara, Bijoy Sarani, Shanti Nagar and low lying areas of the capital went under water during yesterday’s downpour.
There was shortage of public transport in the city as well and CNG-run three-wheelers and rickshaws took advantage of it and charged very high fare.
“I have been waiting for a three-wheeler to go to Gendaria for the last one hour,” said Azad, a resident of Pallabi, in Mirpur.
“I had to pay Tk 20 to cross a short distance of waterlogged area in Kazipara which usually costs Tk 5,” said Liton, a resident of Kazipara.
Rain came down in sheets just before the Eid Jamaat began causing sufferings to those in the congregation.
“I offered my Eid prayers under heavy rains… my new clothes got wet and I had to wear old clothes,” said Polash, a resident of Mirpur-12.

Courtesy of The Daily Star