Waterlogging displaces hundreds in Gazipur as drainage failure persists for fourth day

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Persistent heavy rainfall coupled with inadequate drainage infrastructure has left at least 500 families stranded in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir upazila for four consecutive days. As of Friday morning, residential areas including Hartakitala, East Chandana Chapra Mosque, East Chandara Jora Pump, and the vicinity surrounding the Apex factory remained submerged, with water levels reaching between knee and waist height in many homes.

The flooding has severely disrupted daily life, rendering roads impassable and forcing residents to wade through stagnant water to reach schools and workplaces. Inside many households, water has inundated kitchens and living areas, compelling families to relocate furniture to elevated spots. The situation has triggered growing concerns regarding access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation.

Local residents expressed significant frustration over the lack of progress in receding the floodwaters. Yusuf Ali, a resident of Hartakitala, noted that the persistent inundation has made routine tasks like cooking nearly impossible, leaving families with young children in a precarious state. Others, including local business owner Sohel Rana, reported substantial financial losses as floodwater entered storefronts and deterred customers.

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Community members attribute the recurring crisis to a combination of illegal encroachment on natural water channels and the failure to maintain existing drainage systems. According to residents, the problem is chronic, yet repeated appeals to local authorities for a permanent resolution have yielded little action.

Kaliakoir Upazila Executive Officer A.H.M. Fakhrul Hossain acknowledged the severity of the situation but pointed to rapid, unplanned urbanization as the primary catalyst. He stated that many structures have been built in low-lying areas that once served as natural conduits for water runoff, often without leaving adequate space for drainage. While administrative teams are currently on the ground working to mitigate the impact, officials expressed optimism that water levels would begin to subside by Friday evening.