Monsoon rains and upstream waters from India have exacerbated Bangladesh’s flood crisis, with experts deeming it the worst since 2004. Officials estimate that at least six million people have been marooned as floodwaters continue to rise.
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Extent of the Crisis
| Affected Areas | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Northern & Northeastern Bangladesh | Worst floods since 2004 | Over 6 million people marooned |
| Sunamganj & Sylhet | 80-90% homes submerged | Entire districts without power |
| Major River Basins (Brahmaputra, Meghna) | Water above danger levels | Further deterioration expected |
According to Md Arifuzzaman Bhuyan, Executive Engineer at the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), the situation has worsened due to continuous heavy downpours, which are expected to persist for the next few days. The upstream regions of Meghalaya, Assam, and the western Himalayas in India are also experiencing relentless rainfall, further aggravating the floods in Bangladesh.
Humanitarian Crisis and Infrastructure Damage
Displacement: Millions have been forced to take refuge on rooftops or makeshift shelters. Rescue boats have reached only some of the worst-hit areas, including Sunamganj.
Transport & Communication Disruptions:
The Sylhet-Sunamganj highway and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman highway are completely submerged.
Osmani International Airport in Sylhet has been shut down after its runway was submerged.
Power Outages:
Several power stations have been shut down, plunging entire districts into darkness for the past two days.
Mobile and internet services have been severely disrupted.
Prices of candles and kerosene lamps have surged due to high demand.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The government has deployed the army to assist the civil administration in evacuation and relief efforts. Additionally, the navy and air force have been called in to aid operations in Sylhet, which now resembles an inland sea.
| Rescue Forces Deployed | Personnel & Equipment |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh Navy | 35-member team with 1 Coast Guard cruise and 2 helicopters |
| Additional Forces | 60 more naval personnel and 2 more cruises expected |
Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet, Md Mojibor Rahman, confirmed that rescue teams have been deployed, with more reinforcements on the way.
Flood Forecast and Future Risks
FFWC reports indicate that nearly all major rivers, except the Surma, are rising. Further deterioration is expected in districts including:
Severely Affected: Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona
Likely to be Impacted: Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogura, Sirajganj, Jamalpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur
Bangladesh has witnessed major flooding events in 1987, 1988, 1998, and 2004. However, experts believe that unlike past floods, all four major river basins may not surpass danger levels simultaneously.
Professor Ainun Nishat, a leading water expert, noted that the current floods are primarily driven by extreme rainfall in India, making the situation more unpredictable.
Authorities continue to monitor water levels, with the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Ganges-Padma, and Kushiyara rivers expected to rise further in the next 48 hours. Immediate relief efforts remain crucial to mitigate the ongoing disaster.