Bagerhat, July 7 (V7N) - More than thousands families in Morelganj municipality of Bagerhat have become waterlogged due to six consecutive days of torrential rain, causing severe waterlogging across nine wards of the town. The stagnant water has created a serious public health risk, especially for children and the elderly, while disrupted roadways have severely impacted daily life.
During an on-site visit Monday, several key areas of the municipal town, including parts of the bypass road and regional highways, were seen submerged. The carpeted road surfaces in many areas have collapsed under pressure from fast-flowing rainwater, making them impassable. Residents of wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 — including Uttor Saralia, Purbo Saralia, College Road, Ardash Para, Krishi Bank Road, Baraikhali Old Thana Road, TNT Road, Kalachand Mazar Road, and areas near the ferry terminal — are now virtually trapped inside their homes.
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Many families reported being unable to cook meals as kitchens have been flooded. School and college students are struggling to attend classes, while elderly patients face significant challenges in reaching healthcare services. The prolonged waterlogging has also led to an increase in mosquito infestations and foul odors from stagnant, decomposing water.
Beyond the municipal area, around 30 villages in surrounding unions including Gabtala in Morelganj Sadar, Sankivanga in Hoglabunia Union, and Kashmir in Baraikhali Union have also been submerged due to nonstop rainfall.
Local residents, including social worker Syed Mostafizur Rahman Nannu, Mizanur Rahman, Shamim Ahsan, Lokman Shikder, Babu Sardar, Rokeya Begum, Hanufa Begum, Bazlur Rahman Dabul, and Nazmul Hawlader, expressed their frustration. “We regularly pay taxes as town residents, yet receive no proper civic services,” said one resident. “Even light rain causes knee-deep water on the roads. There is no drainage system in place.”
They called on the municipal authorities to urgently repair broken roads and build proper drainage infrastructure to relieve the suffering.
In response, Morelganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and acting Municipal Administrator Habibullah told Voice7news, “Drainage and road problems in Morelganj municipality have been longstanding. We are working to resolve them. Construction has already started on two or three roads, and we have plans to install drainage systems in every ward.”
While relief may be underway, residents say long-term solutions are necessary to prevent this recurring crisis during every monsoon season.
END/MPS/SMA/
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