Severe floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in Bangladesh, leaving at least 23 people dead and around 1.24 million families stranded across 11 districts.
The flooding, caused by relentless rainfall and overflowing rivers, has left an estimated 5.7 million people affected and in urgent need of assistance.
Many remain isolated, with blocked roads hindering rescue and relief efforts, particularly in remote areas.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the flood conditions could persist if the monsoon rains continue, as water levels are receding very slowly. Around 470,000 people have sought refuge in 3,500 shelters set up across the affected districts, where 650 medical teams are on the ground providing treatment.
The armed forces, including the army, air force, navy, and border guard, are aiding in the rescue and relief operations. However, the scale of the disaster is overwhelming, with vast areas of land submerged and a significant threat to crops if the floodwaters linger.
Experts attribute the exacerbation of such catastrophic events to the impacts of climate change, highlighting the vulnerability of countries like Bangladesh, which has negligible emissions but bears the brunt of the consequences.
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Calls have been made for immediate funding to address the losses and build long-term resilience.
One of the worst-affected districts, Noakhali, saw 56-year-old Shukuri Begum lose her home as it was swept away by the floodwaters. She fled with her grandchildren, but was forced to leave her son with physical disabilities behind, stacking beds in the hope that he would be safe.
As the nation grapples with this devastating natural disaster, the need for urgent humanitarian aid and a concerted effort to address the root causes of climate change has never been more pressing.
