119 dead, 4 million affected as Bangladesh remains in grip of severe flooding

Widespread flooding situation continues to worsen in Bangladesh, affecting more than 4.8 million people and claiming at least 119 lives, officials reported Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) warned that major rivers in the central districts around Dhaka are expected to rise in the following days.

Since late June, at least 119 people died in 21 out of 64 districts, according to the daily flood situation report of the country's disaster response coordination center.

96 of the victims lost their lives due to drowning, 13 were bitten by snakes, eight were struck by lightning, and one due to diarrhea.

Floodwaters submerged 31 administrative districts, affecting more than 4.8 million people and damaging crops, roads, and highways. More than 1 million people marooned at their homes, said Disaster Management Ministry spokeswoman Tasmin Ara Azmiri.

Many of those displaced are staying in temporary shelters, while others were forced to take refuge near highways or bridges.

Officials said the onrush of water from hills across the Indian borders has worsened the situation. FFWC warned that major rivers in the central districts around Dhaka are forecast to rise in the next couple of days, further aggravating the condition.

Disaster management state minister Enamur Rahman said they rushed teams to carry out rescue operations and distribute relief items, as well as monitor centers where flood victims have taken shelter.

Featured image credit: British High Commission in Bangladesh