Devastating Floods in Bangladesh: Over 5.2 Million Affected

At least 20 people have died and over 5.2 million are affected by severe floods in Bangladesh. The government has deployed various measures to aid victims, while blocked roads hamper relief efforts. There are concerns the situation could worsen if monsoon rains persist.

At least 20 people have died, and more than 5.2 million have been impacted by devastating floods in Bangladesh caused by unrelenting monsoon rains and overflowing rivers, officials reported on Sunday. The floods have isolated many people, leaving them in urgent need of food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothes. Remote areas are particularly affected due to blocked roads that complicate rescue and relief efforts.

Government Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, speaking in a televised address, assured the public that the administration has taken all necessary measures to restore normalcy for the flood victims. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, leads the interim government formed after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country this month following a student-led uprising.

Abdul Halim, a 65-year-old farmer from Comilla district, described his experience of losing his mud hut to a 10-foot-high surge of floodwater in the middle of the night. He highlighted the scarcity of relief aid in deep village areas and the necessity of traveling close to main roads to receive assistance.

Some residents allege that the floods were exacerbated by dam sluice gates opening in neighboring India, an assertion denied by New Delhi. Yunus mentioned ongoing discussions with neighboring countries to prevent future flood situations.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warned that flood conditions could persist if monsoon rains continue, as water levels are receding very slowly. Over 400,000 people have sought refuge in roughly 3,500 shelters within the 11 flood-affected districts. Approximately 750 medical teams, along with the army, air force, navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh, are actively involved in rescue operations.

A 2015 analysis by the World Bank Institute estimated that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, are at annual risk of river flooding. Scientists attribute the worsening of these catastrophic events to climate change. Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, commented on the widespread and devastating impact of this year's monsoon rains, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

(With inputs from agencies.)