Bangladesh floods leave 20 dead and millions displaced
Monsoon rains and swollen rivers cause widespread devastation in Bangladesh
![Volunteers take a motor boat to rescue people stranded in flooded residential areas in Feni, a coastal district in southeast Bangladesh, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, after heavy rains caused large areas to be flooded in Bangladesh. (AP Photo/Fatima Tuj Johora).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bangladesh_South_Asia_Floods_24237321082544-scaled.jpg)
At least 20 individuals have perished and over 5.2 million have been impacted by floods in Bangladesh, caused by relentless monsoon rains and swollen rivers, officials reported on Sunday. Floodwaters have left many stranded, urgently needing food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothes, especially in remote areas where blocked roads have hindered rescue and relief efforts.
Government Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, during a televised address, stated that the administration has taken all necessary steps to ensure swift normalisation for flood victims. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, leads the interim government established after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled following a student-led uprising this month.
Abdul Halim, a 65-year-old farmer from Comilla district, recounted how his mud hut was swept away by a 10-foot-high flood surge in the middle of the night. “There are no supplies, no water. Barely anyone comes with relief deep inside the villages. You have to go close to the main road to collect it,” he told television reporters.
Some Bangladeshi citizens have suggested that the floods resulted from the opening of dam sluice gates in neighbouring India, which New Delhi has denied. “We have initiated discussions with neighbouring countries to prevent future flooding,” Yunus mentioned.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that flood conditions might persist if monsoon rains continue, as water levels are receding slowly. Over 400,000 people have sought refuge in approximately 3,500 shelters across 11 flood-hit districts, where nearly 750 medical teams are providing treatment. The army, air force, navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh are assisting in rescue operations, authorities confirmed.
A 2015 World Bank Institute analysis estimated that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, are at risk of annual river flooding. Scientists link the worsening of such catastrophic events to climate change.
“The impact of this year’s monsoon rains has been widespread and devastating,” said Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh. “Entire communities are completely inundated, and millions, including children, need safe shelter and lifesaving humanitarian assistance,” she stated.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Economic Times reports that at least 20 people have died and over 5.2 million have been affected by floods in Bangladesh, caused by relentless monsoon rains and upstream river water. The floods have left many isolated and in urgent need of food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothes, particularly in remote areas where blocked roads have hampered rescue and relief efforts.(read more)
- AsiaOne reports that 20 people have died and 5 million are affected by the floods in Bangladesh, making it the country’s worst flooding in decades.(read more)
- Cyprus Mail reports that at least 20 people have been killed and over 5 million affected by floods in eastern Bangladesh due to monsoon rains.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How many people have died in the Bangladesh floods?
At least 20 people have died.
How many people have been affected by the floods in Bangladesh?
More than 5.2 million people have been affected.
What challenges are flood victims in Bangladesh facing?
They urgently need food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothes.
Who is leading the flood relief efforts in Bangladesh?
Government Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus is leading the efforts.
What measures are being taken to help flood victims in Bangladesh?
Around 3,500 shelters are housing 400,000 people, and 750 medical teams are providing treatment.