Dhaka flooded by worst rain in 50 years

Just weeks after floods receded across Bangladesh, the capital Dhaka was under water again yesterday. Although the rest of the country is unaffected this time, the floods in Dhaka are even worse than those in July.

Just weeks after floods receded across Bangladesh, the capital Dhaka was under water again yesterday. Although the rest of the country is unaffected this time, the floods in Dhaka are even worse than those in July.

Officials in a country notorious for floods said yesterday's flooding was "unprecedented". Water lapped outside the prime minister's office and parliament. All government offices were closed down. The Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority said almost all of the city was under water. In the business district of Motijheel, the roads are waist-deep. The consequences are easy to imagine - Boscastle in a city of 10 million people.

Almost all main roads were under water, shops and businesses were closed and all train services in the city were halted.

At least seven people have been killed so far, four died when their boat capsized in a raging river. There are grave fears that sewage will contaminate the city's water supply. Power has been cut in some areas after three people were electrocuted when live power lines came down. Some areas are also without telephone lines or gas.

In July, 600 people died when the country had its worst flooding in six years and there was $7bn (£3.9bn) worth of damage. The latest floods are the result of exceptionally heavy rainfall, according to Dhaka Meteorological Department. About 341mm of rain fell in the city on Monday, the highest level recorded in 50 years. Humanitarian organisations have already warned they are seriously short of funds to help victims of the July floods.

The Dhaka stock exchange was closed for a second day yesterday.