At least five people have died and more than 100,000 others remain stranded as devastating floods, brought on by torrential rains and torrential rains, continue to ravage northern Bangladesh, authorities said today.
In Sherpur, one of the most affected hill districts, water levels in major rivers rose, flooding new areas and displacing thousands of families. Local authorities fear major damage to agriculture, as crops and farmland, especially rice fields, could be destroyed.
Many houses and roads are under several meters of water, isolating villages and leaving residents in need of assistance. “I have never seen such a flood in my life,” said Abu Taher, a resident of the area.
The military, using boats and helicopters, participated in relief efforts, delivering emergency supplies and evacuating people trapped by the floods. The bridge has collapsed and the roads are flooded, making it difficult for local authorities to enter the affected area.
Our priority is to evacuate people from shelters and provide them with essentials, Sherpur district administrator Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman said. He said another decomposed body had been found, which was believed to have floated from India.
This low-lying country of 170 million people has experienced several floods this year, highlighting its vulnerability to climate change. According to a 2015 study by the World Bank Institute, 3.5 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of flooding every year, a risk that scientists say is getting worse due to climate change. global climate.
As water levels continue to rise, concerns are mounting about the long-term effects on local agriculture, particularly rice crops. If the floods do not stop soon, the economic impact on farmers could be severe.
Adding to the concern, the meteorological office has predicted rain in the coming days, raising the fear of another flood. The floods in eastern Bangladesh in August, which killed more than 70 people, caused damage estimated at $ 1.20 billion, according to a study by the Center for Policy Dialogue, a leading think tank.
The United Nations and partners have launched a $134 million humanitarian appeal to provide emergency aid and support to communities affected by ongoing floods and cyclones in Bangladesh.
