Bangladesh Battles Waterborne Diseases Post-Devastating Floods

Bangladesh faces a dire threat from waterborne diseases following severe floods that left millions stranded and 54 dead. Authorities are mobilizing resources, including clean water, food, and medical aid, to affected areas. The monsoon rains persist, hampering relief efforts, while health risks escalate. U.N. agencies urge immediate action to protect vulnerable populations.

Authorities in Bangladesh are bracing for the spread of waterborne diseases and racing to deliver drinking water to millions affected by last week's devastating floods that claimed at least 54 lives.

As floodwaters slowly recede, many remain stranded, urgently needing food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothes. Blocked roads have hindered rescue efforts. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department warns that conditions could persist if monsoon rains continue, with water levels receding slowly.

Approximately 470,000 people have taken refuge in 3,300 shelters across 11 districts, where 600 medical teams are providing care. The army, air force, navy, and border guard are assisting in rescue operations. A disaster management official cautioned that receding floodwaters could lead to an epidemic of waterborne diseases if clean water isn't supplied promptly.

"Our top priority is ensuring the availability of safe drinking water," the official said. Around 3,000 people have been hospitalized for waterborne diseases in the past 24 hours, as healthcare access remains limited in submerged areas.

Farid Ahmed, a resident of Lakshmipur, one of the worst-hit districts, said, "Water is everywhere but there is no clean water to drink. People are getting sick." The flooding poses a severe threat to crops, agriculture officials noted.

UNICEF has warned that two million children are at risk in the worst floods in three decades, urgently appealing for $35 million to provide life-saving supplies. "These floods are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather and climate crisis on children," said Emma Brigham, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh.

A 2015 analysis by the World Bank Institute estimated that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of annual river flooding. Scientists link the severity of such events to climate change. Farah Kabir, director of ActionAid Bangladesh, emphasized the urgent need for funding to help climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh build resilience and pursue green development pathways.

(With inputs from agencies.)