At least five people have died and more than 100,000 remain stranded as devastating floods, triggered by heavy rains and upstream torrents, ravage northern Bangladesh, officials said on Sunday.
In Sherpur, one of the hardest-hit northern districts, the water levels of major rivers have surged, submerging new areas and displacing thousands of families.
Local authorities fear widespread damage to agriculture, with crops and farmlands, particularly rice fields, facing potential devastation.
Many homes and roads are under several feet of water, cutting off villages. It leaves residents in desperate need of rescue.
“I have never seen such flooding in my life,” said Abu Taher, a resident of the district.
Army personnel, using boats and helicopters, have joined rescue efforts, delivering emergency supplies and evacuating those trapped by the floods.
Bridges collapsed and roads submerged, making it difficult for local authorities to reach affected areas.
“Our priority is to evacuate people to safe shelters. We also want to provide them with essential supplies,” Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman, Sherpur district administrator said.
According to him, the rescue team also found another decomposed body, suspected to have floated from India.
Read Related News:
- ADB approves $190m for Bangladesh’s rural connectivity project
- Bangladesh court bans gender detection of unborn
- Heavy rains, floods kill 12 in eastern Sudan
- Bangladesh braces for cyclone Sitrang
- Kenya floods death toll rises to 169
The low-lying nation of 170 million has experienced multiple floods this year, underscoring its vulnerability to climate change.
A 2015 World Bank Institute analysis estimated that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of annual river flooding. Scientists say this risk is worsening due to global climate change.
As water levels continue to rise, concerns grow about the long-term impact on the region’s agriculture, particularly rice crops.
If the floodwaters do not recede soon, the economic toll on farmers could be severe.
Adding to the worries, the weather office has predicted more rain in the coming days, raising fears of further inundation.
The floods in August in eastern Bangladesh, which left more than 70 dead, caused damage estimated at $1.20 billion.
This estimate is according to a study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a leading think-tank.
The United Nations and its partners have launched a $134 million humanitarian appeal to provide urgent relief and support to communities affected by ongoing floods and cyclones in Bangladesh. (Reuters)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenithonline@gmail.com. Follow us on www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline. Also, visit, subscribe and like our videos on YouTube @thenewszenithOnline
