Dhaka, Bangladesh – August 27, 2024 – In a tragic turn of events, Bangladesh is grappling with its worst flooding crisis in decades, with over 5.7 million people severely impacted by relentless monsoon rains and overflowing rivers.
On Monday, officials reported that the death toll from severe floods in Bangladesh, triggered by continuous monsoon rains and overflowing rivers, has reached 23. Approximately 1.24 million families are currently stranded across 11 districts.
Around 470,000 people have taken refuge in 3,500 shelters in the flood-hit districts, where around 650 medical teams are on the ground to provide treatment, with the army, air force, navy, and the South Asian country’s border guard assisting in rescue and relief operations, authorities said.
The unprecedented floods have inundated large swathes of the country, submerging entire villages, destroying homes, and disrupting critical infrastructure. Relief efforts are underway, but access to the most affected areas remains challenging due to the widespread waterlogged terrain.
Local and international aid organizations are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance, including food, clean water, and medical supplies. The Bangladeshi government has declared a state of emergency and is coordinating with humanitarian groups to expedite relief efforts and ensure the safety of displaced residents.
As floodwaters continue to rise and rain persists, there are growing concerns about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases and further environmental damage. The situation remains fluid, and the government is urging citizens to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines.
The international community has expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, with several countries pledging support and offering resources to assist in the recovery and rebuilding process.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said that flood conditions could persist if the monsoon rains continued, as water levels were receding very slowly.
A 2015 analysis by the World Bank Institute estimated that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, were at risk of annual river flooding. Scientists link the worsening of these catastrophic events to climate change.