Extensive flooding has stranded approximately 1.8 million people in northeast Bangladesh after weeks of heavy rains submerged homes and devastated farmland, state media and humanitarian agencies reported.
Video footage from state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), reveals large sections of Sylhet city and the nearby town of Sunamganj submerged. The disaster marks the second wave of flooding to hit the region in less than a month.
The Water Development Board stated last week that the widespread flooding was caused by prolonged torrential rain and water runoff from the hilly regions upstream on the Indian border, leading four rivers to swell beyond their danger levels, according to local media.
Villagers in the hardest-hit low-lying areas of Sylhet were observed wading through chest-deep water, stacking their belongings into piles to shield them from the muddy waters.
Local media reports express concern for those trapped by floodwaters, who are now contending with food shortages and a scarcity of clean water.
According to BSS, approximately 964,000 people in Sylhet and 792,000 in Sunamganj have been impacted by the flooding.
Authorities have established over 6,000 shelters to aid the displaced.
UNICEF reported that among those affected are 772,000 children requiring urgent assistance.
The agency also noted that more than 800 schools have been flooded, with an additional 500 schools being utilized as flood shelters.
“Increasing floodwaters leave children particularly vulnerable, exposing them to heightened risks such as drowning, malnutrition, deadly waterborne diseases, the psychological toll of displacement, and potential abuse in overcrowded shelters,” stated Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
“Tawhid emphasised, ‘Bangladesh is accustomed to flooding, but climate change is intensifying floods and making them less predictable.
“This makes it challenging for families to ensure their safety, let alone plan for the future.'”
“fish farmers have suffered substantial losses as floodwaters have washed away thousands of farms and ponds, resulting in an economic toll exceeding $11.4 million, according to local media.”
Densely populated and low-lying Bangladesh is susceptible to seasonal rains, flooding, and cyclones. Studies indicate that the South Asian country is among the most vulnerable globally to the effects of the human-induced climate crisis.
With the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change, the humanitarian and economic toll on Bangladesh is expected to worsen.
According to the World Bank, by 2050, climate migration could affect 13 million people in Bangladesh, while severe flooding could potentially lead to a GDP decline of up to 9%.
The recent heavy rains and floods occurred as the region was still reeling from widespread flooding in late May, triggered by Tropical Cyclone Remal, which affected around 5 million people in Bangladesh and southern India.
“In many cases, this will alter the course of their lives, leaving them without homes and schools, and compelling them to relocate to temporary shelters for an uncertain duration,” stated Sultana Begum, Save the Children’s regional humanitarian advocacy and policy manager for Asia.
“In numerous instances, this will fundamentally change their lives, leaving them without homes and schools, and forcing them to move to temporary shelters for an uncertain period,” said Sultana Begum, Save the Children’s regional humanitarian advocacy and policy manager for Asia.
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