2 million people affected by flooding in Bangladesh
Floods in Bangladesh have affected two million people in the third wave since May. Around 300,000 individuals are stranded in the hardest-hit regions. In Sylhet, a northern area of Bangladesh, approximately 500 schools have suspended classes due to flooding or their use as shelter centers.
Dr. Md Liakath Ali, Director of the Climate Change Programme at BRAC, stated, 'During the monsoon season, we anticipate rain and some flooding, but this year we’re experiencing increased rainfall, making it harder to predict and causing water levels to rise faster. This is particularly challenging for people in low-lying areas, especially pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly, who struggle to secure their belongings and reach shelters in time.'
Dr. Ali added, 'Although Bangladeshis are accustomed to flooding, the water is rising so quickly and reaching such high levels that people are forced to seek refuge on anything available, including makeshift rafts made from banana trees.'
The government has opened tens of thousands of shelters and provided cash, food, and animal fodder to the affected regions. However, hundreds of thousands of people, especially in low-lying areas, are still stranded with limited access to food and clean water. The situation is anticipated to worsen in the coming week due to predicted heavy rains.
Northeastern Bangladesh has been significantly affected since May 27. Continuous rainfall from June 17 caused a second wave of flooding just two weeks after the first subsided. The third wave began on July 1, disrupting ongoing recovery efforts.
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