Relief Rain in Capital City, Commuters Face Hardships on Their Way Home
People returning from work get stuck in the rain on their way home. Photo: Focus Bangla.
After several days of persistent muggy heat and suffocating weather, residents of the capital finally received some relief with rainfall. On Sunday afternoon, dark clouds suddenly covered the sky over Dhaka, accompanied by strong gusts of wind. Soon after, a spell of rain brought long-awaited comfort to city life. However, along with the relief came hardships for people returning home from work.
Rain began in different parts of the capital after 4:00 pm, intensifying within an hour. Heavy rainfall was reported in areas including Banglamotor, Mogbazar, Hatirjheel, Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Farmgate, and Shahbagh.
Although the rain provided relief from the intense heat, people on the roads during peak hours faced difficulties. As soon as the rain started, vehicle movement slowed on many city roads. In some places, water accumulated, creating temporary waterlogging. As a result, traffic congestion worsened during office closing hours. Passengers had to wait for long periods at bus stops, while many without umbrellas took shelter under shop awnings or beneath foot overbridges.
Working woman Maksuda Rina was stranded by the rain while returning home after office hours. She said, “I was on the road when the rain started. I had to stand for a long time. Buses and rickshaws were not available. Despite the inconvenience, the rain was very much needed after days of unbearable heat.”
Md. Sohel Rana, who works at a private company in Mogbazar, said, “After leaving the office, I found severe traffic congestion on the roads. I had to wait almost half an hour for a bus. It was troublesome, but the relief from the heat was worth it.”
Small street vendors working under the open sky were among those most affected by the rain. A fruit seller at Karwan Bazar said that the sudden downpour forced him to hurriedly cover his goods, and some fruits were damaged.
During the rain, a different scene unfolded on the city’s streets. Some people hurried toward their destinations with umbrellas overhead, while others continued on their way soaked by the rain. Many, exhausted by the prolonged heat, wore expressions of quiet relief.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has said that rainfall may continue in different parts of the country over the next two days. According to its forecast, some areas of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. In addition, gusty winds, thunderstorms, and moderate rain are likely in parts of Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi divisions.
Due to the ongoing rainfall, daytime temperatures may drop slightly, reducing the intensity of the heat across various regions of the country. However, no major change is expected in nighttime temperatures.At the end of the day, the residents of the capital witnessed two emotions at once, a mixture of relief and suffering. The rain brought tranquility to city life, but at the same time, it also brought to the fore the familiar images of the busy city.
