Five Dead, Thousands Stranded As Floods Hit Bangladesh
At least five people have been confirmed dead after a massive flood caused by a continuous downpour ravaged northern Bangladesh, on Sunday.
According to officials the devastating flood has left over 100,000 persons stranded, as water levels of major rivers have surged, submerging new areas and displacing thousands of families.
Sherpur has become one of the most affected northern districts with local authorities predicting that further spread will damage agricultural production in the affected areas.
According to reports, Bridges in the affected areas have collapsed, many homes and roads are under several feet of water, cutting off villages and leaving residents in desperate need of rescue.
“I have never seen such flooding in my life,” Abu Taher, a resident of the district told Reuters.
Army personnel, using boats and helicopters, have joined rescue efforts, delivering emergency supplies and evacuating those trapped by the floods, however, roads have been submerged, making it difficult for local authorities to reach affected areas.
“Our priority is to evacuate people to safe shelters and provide them with essential supplies,” said Sherpur district administrator Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman.
He said another decomposed body, suspected to have floated from India, had been found.
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 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.
Five Dead, Thousands Stranded As Floods Hit Bangladesh is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
