Dhaka Devastating floods caused by heavy rains and upstream torrents have left more than 100,000 people stranded and claimed at least five lives, according to officials on Sunday. The floods are still ravaging northern Bangladesh.
Major rivers’ flood levels have risen in Sherpur, one of the most severely affected northern districts, burying new territories and uprooting hundreds of inhabitants.
Local authorities worry that agriculture may suffer extensive harm, possibly resulting in the destruction of crops and farmlands, especially rice fields. Numerous houses and roads are submerged in several feet of water, isolating settlements and putting people in dire need of help.
“I have never witnessed flooding like this in my life,” remarked area resident Abu Taher.
Army forces have assisted in rescue operations by transporting emergency supplies and evacuating persons stranded by the floods using boats and helicopters.
It is challenging for local officials to access affected communities due to destroyed bridges and drowned highways.
According to Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman, the district administrator for Sherpur, “moving people to safe shelters and providing them with essential supplies is our priority.”
He reported the discovery of another decaying corpse that appeared to have floated from India.
The 170 million-person low-lying country has been hit by many floods this year, highlighting its susceptibility to climate change. A 2015 World Bank Institute report projected that 3.5 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of annual river flooding, a risk scientists think is rising due to global climate change.
Concerns regarding the long-term effects on the region’s agriculture, especially rice crops, are growing as water levels rise. The financial toll on farmers might be significant if the floodwaters do not subside quickly.
Concerns about more flooding have been heightened by the weather office’s prediction of additional rain in the upcoming days.
