Post-flood garbage piles up in Nazira, residents fear health crisis

NAZIRA, August 28, 2026 — More than a month after the devastating July 19 flood disrupted normal life in Nazira, large quantities of post-flood garbage and debris remain uncleared in several parts of the town and adjoining areas, creating a foul-smelling and unhygienic environment and raising concerns over the possible spread of disease.

After the floodwaters receded, decomposed materials, mud, household waste and the remains of dead animals were left behind at various locations. The resulting stench has made life difficult for residents and pedestrians, with many reportedly forced to cover their noses and mouths while passing through affected areas.

Residents have complained of garbage accumulating in residential neighbourhoods, along roadsides, drains and other flood-affected locations. Near the Bartal railway crossing on the outskirts of Nazira town, a large quantity of garbage has reportedly remained beside the main road for a prolonged period, causing severe inconvenience to residents because of the foul odour.

Residents fear the situation could worsen with further rainfall, which may intensify the stench and create favourable conditions for the breeding of flies, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.

A similar situation has reportedly developed along Dhodar Ali road near the Dikhow bridge in Nazira town, where the area has turned into a dumping ground for flood-damaged household belongings. Mattresses, quilts, clothes, furniture and other materials discarded after the devastating Dikhow flood have reportedly accumulated at the site.

The foul smell from the waste has added to the difficulties faced by people in the locality, many of whom are still recovering from the loss of homes and livelihoods caused by the flood.

While a comprehensive post-flood cleanliness and sanitation drive is considered necessary, sections of the public have expressed dissatisfaction over what they perceive as inadequate administrative action.

Residents warn that prolonged accumulation of decomposing waste and stagnant water could increase the risk of diarrhoeal diseases, skin infections, fever, water-borne illnesses and other infections, particularly if the affected areas are not cleaned and disinfected promptly.

They have urged the Nazira administration to immediately remove the accumulated garbage and flood debris, clear blocked drains and sewage channels, and undertake disinfection and other necessary sanitation measures.

The residents have also called for a war-footing cleanliness and sanitation campaign across all flood-affected areas of Nazira to prevent the post-flood waste crisis from developing into a wider public-health emergency.