Dhaka gets record rainfall after 60 years, nine killed, life hampered

Dhaka, July 29 (ANI): Record rainfall in Bangladesh capital Dhaka has claimed the lives of at least nine people, besides disrupting normal lifeb extensively.

Reports in several Bangladeshi dailies, including the Daily Star and The Independent quoted the Met Office as saying on Tuesday that Dhaka received 290 mm of rainfall over a six-hour period. The previous highest rainfall in the city took place 60 years ago, the MEt officials said.

Reports said that people heading to work had to wade through almost waist-deep rainwater on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in front of Prime Minister's Office.

Much of the city is knee-deep in water, wreaking havoc on life and trade.

Dhaka has received 333 mm of rainful between since Monday, while Mongla received 169 mm of rainfall.

Meteorologists said a low formation of clouds in the Bay of bengal joined forces with monsoon clouds to cause the extraordinary rainfall.

More rain has been predicted over the next 48 hours.

People in the shantytowns were the worst sufferers. They found their huts under knee-deep water. Most of those living on ground floors had to spend a sleepless night as they saw water reach up to their beds.

Attendance at the government and private offices was very thin. Shopping malls and other businesses had few shoppers as people remained indoors.

Children in most areas could not go to schools.

The heavy rains have also caused disruptions in traffic and transport movement. Flights, trains, buses and ferries were cancelled because of the heavy downpour.

The districts of Barisal, Khulna, Bagerhat Satkhira, Pabna, Sylhet, Chittagong, Manikganj and Noakhali have also reported rain-related disruptions.

Life in the port city of Chittacong has also come to a standstill due to the ceaseless rainfall.

Water levels in Shitalakhya, Meghna, Brahmaputra and Dhaleswari rivers continue to rise. The district administration apprehended that if rain continues for next two to three days, the water level would go past the danger mark. (ANI)