The embankment area known as Dhaka-Narayanganj-Demra (DND) has trapped rainwater inside what was supposed to be flood-free zones. Thousands of people now have to wade through waist-deep waters to travel to other destinations. It is ironic to see people moving on country boats within urban areas as the recent deluge has submerged several roads. Residents have had to vacate their premises and move to higher ground in a bid to ward off being marooned. Yet, as we gather from what has been printed in this newspaper, many thousands have indeed been marooned for weeks in some pockets of the DND area. The lack of proper storm drainage system has led to a near permanent state of water logging and this becomes a chronic state of affairs during the rainy season.

What is important to note is an apparent lack of relief efforts by authorities to reach essential items like food and medicine to those who need them sorely. The DND embankment area has for years suffered from land grabbing and unregulated construction that played havoc with the sewerage system. Not only that, officials argue that there is a shortage of pumps that are needed to flush out the excess water trapped within the flood embankment area. With about a million people literally stranded and running short of safe drinking water, a major outbreak of diseases cannot be ruled out. It is imperative that resources are mobilised to bring relief to the stranded people and ward off major health hazards like skin diseases and diarrhoea.