Climate Change Impact in My Local Community: Urban Flooding and Waterlogging in Bangladesh
One of the most visible climate change induced impacts affecting my local community in Bangladesh, particularly in cities like Dhaka and surrounding urban areas, is increased flooding and prolonged waterlogging. Climate change has intensified irregular and heavy rainfall, while rising river levels and occasional storm surges further aggravate the situation. Although flooding has always been part of Bangladesh’s geography, its frequency, intensity, and duration have increased in recent years due to climate change.
This issue presents several serious challenges for community members and urban infrastructure. Waterlogged roads disrupt daily life, making commuting difficult and reducing access to workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Poor drainage systems combined with unplanned urbanization lead to sewage overflow, contaminating water and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dengue, and skin infections. Low-income communities, especially those living in informal settlements, are the most affected as their homes are often located in flood-prone areas and lack proper sanitation and flood protection.
In response, both community-level and government-led adaptation measures are gradually being implemented. Local authorities have initiated drainage improvement projects, canal re-excavation, and pumping systems to reduce water stagnation in major urban zones. The government has also incorporated climate-resilient urban planning into development policies, including flood management and early warning systems. At the community level, residents have raised house plinths, improved household drainage, and adopted rainwater management practices. NGOs and youth-led groups are actively involved in awareness campaigns on waste management, as blocked drains significantly worsen flooding.
Overall, the flooding experienced in my community highlights an important understanding of climate change: human development decisions can significantly amplify climate-related hazards. Addressing this challenge requires not only climate mitigation efforts but also inclusive, well-planned adaptation strategies that combine infrastructure development, policy reform, and active community participation.