The tragic deaths of four persons due to electrocution in Dhaka during waterlogging highlights the severe consequences of poor infrastructure and inadequate safety measures in the city. The deceased were identified as Md Alauddin, 18, and Rasel Das, 27, both employees of a furniture shop in Pallabi. Abdur Nur, 35, is a mason from Bhasantek and Aiyub Ali, 45, a painter in Kotwali.
Alauddin and Rasel lost their lives while trying to remove furniture and materials from their shop as water entered during torrential rain. Unfortunately, they were electrocuted and lost consciousness. Despite the efforts of locals who rushed them to Kurmitola General Hospital, they were declared dead by the duty doctors. Alauddin hailed from Tarakanda upazila in Mymensingh and Rasel from Chattogram.
In a similar tragic event, Aiyub was electrocuted at Agarbati lane near CMM Court while returning home after work. His son, Rafiqul Islam, mentioned that Aiyub was first taken to a nearby hospital in Old Dhaka and later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where he was declared dead.
Abdur Nur faced a similar fate in Bhasantek. As his tin-shed house at Dewanpara was flooded with rainwater, he attempted to remove the water with a pump. He was electrocuted, and, despite being taken to Kurmitola General Hospital by locals, his life could not be saved.
These incidents underscore the pressing need to address the underlying issues causing such tragedies. The heavy rains yesterday not only flooded streets and homes across Dhaka but also exposed the city's inadequate drainage system. The residents of Dhaka faced immense hardship, wading through knee-to-waist-deep water to reach their destinations.
It is crucial for the authorities to take immediate action to improve the city's infrastructure and drainage systems. Proper safety measures must be put in place to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. Public awareness campaigns should also be initiated to educate people about the dangers of electrocution during floods and the necessary precautions to take. The authorities concerned must take these matters seriously and work for creating a safer environment for all residents.
Adnan Hadi
Dhanmondi, Dhaka