DHAKA – Devastating floods have caused widespread destruction in India’s northeast and neighboring Bangladesh’s eastern region, with the total death toll reaching 30 by the end of this week, according to officials and media reports on Friday.
While rain subsided in many parts of Bangladesh on Friday and waters began to recede in some areas, authorities warned that the flooding may continue for days to come.
In India’s Tripura state, the death toll rose to 19 over the last 24 hours, with the state disaster management official confirming a total of 19 fatalities since Monday. Meanwhile, Bangladesh reported seven more deaths within the same period, adding to the four deaths previously recorded.
The situation in Bangladesh remains dire, with reports of up to 3 million people stranded as floodwaters inundate vast areas of farmland, leaving many without basic necessities like electricity, food, and water. With over 4.5 million people affected, the nation is facing one of its worst floods in three decades.
Relief efforts are underway, with various charity groups stepping in to provide aid. In Tripura, around 100,000 people have sought shelter in relief camps, reflecting the scale of the disaster.
Liakath Ali, BRAC’s director of Climate Change, Urban Development and Disaster Risk Management, expressed concerns over the worsening situation, stating that entire villages and livelihoods have been washed away.
The military has been mobilized to provide relief and assistance in the affected areas, but challenges persist as residents struggle to reach safety amid the ongoing crisis.
As rumors circulate online about the cause of the flooding, authorities have clarified that heavy rains, not dam releases, are responsible for the widespread inundation across both countries.
The recent floods serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of these regions to natural disasters, urging for greater preparedness and support for communities affected by such calamities.
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