Commuters suffer as rain causes gridlocks on Dhaka roads

Commuters in Dhaka have suffered immensely yesterday as heavy rainfall all day long caused massive gridlocks on several roads in the capital.

People, in particular the office goers and students, experienced severe traffic jams across the city and were forced to stay put in public and private transports as many roads went under water due to the incessant rain. 

"The traffic situation became more critical due to various ongoing development works in the capital. Gazipur-bound vehicles were moving very slowly to avoid accidents resulting in long tailbacks in adjacent areas," Mostafizur Rahman, assistant commissioner of Gulshan Traffic Zone told The Business Standard.

However, the situation started to improve a little around 2 pm, said the police official.

To make matters worse, several key streets were closed down due to VIP movement on Tuesday morning, said traffic police sources.

Meanwhile, many netizens took to Facebook and said they missed flights, important appointments, and were also late to work due to extreme traffic. Many shared traffic information including which routes to avoid to help others better navigate through the gridlocks.

Met office predicts more showers

In the daily bulletin, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Tuesday said, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at most places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over the country.

Under the influence of active monsoon heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet during next 24 hours commencing 12 noon yesterday (Tuesday), read the weather forecast.

Day temperature may fall slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the counter, it added.

The weather office recorded the highest 116mm rainfall in Khepupara of Patuakhali district in 24 hours till 6am on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Dhaka recorded 32mm of rainfall during this period.

The highest temperature was recorded at 33°C in Sreemangal and Dimla, while the lowest temperature was recorded at 23.3°C in Ishurdi.

Besides, the land depression over South Madhya Pradesh and the adjoining area of India moved further west northwestwards, weakened into a well-marked low and lay centred over the central part of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining area. It moved west-northwestwards and weakened gradually.