The storm-water drainage system of Dhaka is in a shambles and the capital’s residents were reminded of that yet again after one and a half hours rain inundated many busy thoroughfares.

Dhaka witnessed 24-mm rainfall from 1:27pm to 3:00pm, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department told The Daily Star.

Some of the busiest roads in the city’s Motijheel, Karwan Bazar, Fakirapool and Kakoli went underwater in the rains.

According to the Met office’s 24-hours forecast commencing at 9:00am today, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong and Sylhet divisions will experience light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country.

The highest rainfall in the country of 92mm was recorded in Sandwip of Chittagong in the last 24hours till 6:00am today, according to the Met office.

Poor drainage

According to The Daily Star report published on July 6, inadequate storm-water drainage system managed by seven different authorities with little coordination among themselves is the reason why Dhaka streets suffer deluge every time there is moderate rain.

In a well-managed network of storm drainage system, rainwater instantly runs into the low-lying retention areas. But, it takes hours for rainwater runoff if the network is faulty or destroyed, leading to immense public sufferings, according to the report.

The worst-affected areas in the capital include Shantinagar, Khilgaon, Bashabo, Malibagh, Shantibagh, Rajarbagh, Mugda, Mohammadpur, Badda and different parts of Old Dhaka, say the officials and urban planners.