Waterlogging: Govt must answer for four deaths by electrocution

Four people, including three of a family, died after being electrocuted in the capital’s Mirpur on Thursday night as they came into contact with a live electric wire that fell on a waterlogged street.

The incident occurred near Mirpur Commerce College around 9:45pm.

Many took to social media to express their frustration over being stuck in traffic for hours on end or being unable to wade through waist-deep water on certain streets.

The Meteorological Department recorded 113mm of rain from 6:00pm to 12:00am Thursday night.

The haphazard construction of buildings and road infrastructure has disrupted the natural drainage systems.

As a result, rainwater has nowhere to flow, leading to extensive waterlogging during even moderate rainfall. Thursday night’s situation revealed how the city residents are now virtually trapped in moderate to heavy rainfall.

However, the stagnant water not only damages roads and property but also poses a significant health hazard as it becomes a breeding ground for diseases like dengue and malaria.

The lack of proper urban planning has allowed for unchecked expansion without adequate consideration for green spaces and permeable surfaces.

This means that the soil cannot absorb rainwater effectively, exacerbating the city’s waterlogging problem.

The consequences of this unplanned development are felt by every resident.

Commuting becomes a nightmare, as roads are flooded and impassable, leading to traffic jams and delays. Local businesses suffer as customers are deterred from visiting due to the inconvenience caused by waterlogging.

Immediate action is necessary to rectify this situation. Our local authorities need to enforce strict building regulations and zoning laws to ensure that new developments take into account proper drainage systems and green spaces.

Additionally, we must invest in infrastructure improvements to address the existing waterlogging problem, such as the construction of drainage channels and the maintenance of existing ones.

The accidental death of four persons is irreparable and could be avoided if there had been a proper drainage system throughout the city.

The government must take responsibility for the losses of lives of citizens; it cannot put its failure to protect lives of four people on accident.