Torrential rains in Bangladesh and India have left dozens dead and millions stranded. Nearly 6 million people are affected due to one of the worst monsoon flooding in a decade.
Highlights:
- Unrelenting rains affect Bangladesh impacting millions of people.
- Dozens killed and millions marooned due to monsoon flooding.
- Assam state in neighboring India is also affected by heavy downpours.
Bangladesh and India are experiencing devastating monsoon floods affecting millions of people and their livelihood. At least 59 people are known to have died due to severe monsoon storms in both the countries But, an official number on the death toll is not available yet. While the forecasters have predicted the rains to turn worse, the Bangladesh government officials have described the flooding as the country’s worst since 2004. Several rivers in Bangladesh have risen to dangerous levels due to heavy downpours. Further, the runoff from heavy rains across Indian mountains aggravated the situation. Water levels of the Brahmaputra, Dharla, and DudhKumar rivers have increased above danger levels due to continuous rain. The country experienced its first flood on May 10. While the waters started to recede on May 22, a second flood on June 16 exacerbated the situation. Districts of Sylhet and Sunamganj are particularly hard-hit with a lack of internet services and electricity. Dr. Enamur Rahman, the country’s State Minister for the Ministry of Disaster Management noted that 90% of the district of Sunamganj is under water. The district now remains nearly cut off from the rest of the country. However, due to the lack of telecommunication services, the extent of damage is yet to be completely assessed. Military forces are deployed focusing on rescuing stranded people and relief operations.
Gowainghat, Companiganj, Kanaighat, Jaintiapur, Sylhet Sadar, Zakiganj, Bishwanath, and Golapganj, Beanibazar are some of the worst-hit areas in Sylhet. Similarly, Chhatak, Dowarabazar, Sunamganj Sadar, Derai, Madhyanagar, Bishwambarpur, Dharmapasha, Tahirpur, and Jamalganj are the worst affected areas in Sunamganj.
Assam and Meghalaya experience heavy downpour:
Heavy downpour lashed across the northeastern state of India, Assam. Nearly 2 million people are reported to be affected and displaced as an effect of severe flooding. The armed forces are deployed for rescue operations. Jogen Mohan, the state’s revenue minister, stated, “Soldiers are helping police and civil authorities in several parts of Assam to evacuate trapped villagers.” Meghalaya’s Mawsynram and Cherrapunji received a record-breaking rainfall since 1940. The death toll increased to 42, out of which 24 have died in Assam and 18 in Meghalaya. The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma has announced a relief compensation of ₹ 4 lakh to the families of people who died in the floods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the flood situation with the Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sharma and assured all help from the center. People are evacuated to regional makeshift shelters on raised embankments. Schools are converted and used as temporary shelters. Educational institutions remain shut, and patients are moved to higher floors as water enters hospitals. According to a Reuters report, approximately 105,000 people have been evacuated so far. However, the police officials have estimated that over four million were still stranded.
India and Bangladesh have witnessed extreme weather in recent years. Environmentalists warn about the impact of climate change which could lead to more such disasters. Bangladesh has experienced four major floods since 1987. The impact of climate change can affect Bangladesh especially due to the low-lying areas and dense population.
