DHAKA — The death toll from the catastrophic floods in Bangladesh has risen to 23, with around 5.7 million people affected as relentless monsoon rains and overflowing rivers wreak havoc across the country. The severe floods have stranded approximately 1.24 million families across 11 districts, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that flood conditions may persist if the monsoon rains continue, as water levels are receding very slowly. This prolonged flooding poses an ongoing threat to communities, particularly in remote areas where blocked roads have hindered rescue and relief efforts.
Authorities report that around 470,000 people have sought refuge in 3,500 shelters set up across the flood-affected regions. Approximately 650 medical teams are on the ground providing treatment, supported by the army, air force, navy, and border guards, who are assisting in rescue and relief operations.
The floods have submerged vast areas of land, posing a significant threat to agriculture. Officials from the agriculture ministry have expressed concern that prolonged flooding could devastate crops, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
An analysis by the World Bank Institute in 2015 estimated that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, are at risk of annual river flooding. Climate change is believed to exacerbate the frequency and severity of such catastrophic events.
Farah Kabir, director of ActionAid Bangladesh, highlighted the urgent need for international support: “Countries like Bangladesh with negligible emissions and whose people have shown super resilience deserve immediate funds to address the impacts of climate change and frequent disasters. We need to recover from the losses and damage we have faced, as well as build resilience to future impacts and take on green development pathways.”
The devastating impact of the floods is exemplified by the situation in Noakhali district. There, 56-year-old Shukuri Begum lost her home to the floodwaters and was forced to flee with her grandchildren to a neighbor’s house. Despite her efforts, she was unable to bring her son, who has physical disabilities, with her. Describing the situation, ActionAid quoted her saying, “I don’t know what’s waiting for us.”
As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, the focus remains on providing immediate relief to those affected while planning for long-term recovery and resilience against future disasters. The international community’s support will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs and helping Bangladesh build stronger defenses against the impacts of climate change.
