At least 44 people have died and more than one million people have been stranded after days of torrential monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides across southeastern Bangladesh.
According to the country’s Disaster Management Ministry, flooding in seven districts, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar and Habiganj has disrupted daily life and left 267,918 households cut off by rising waters.
Many residents have been left without electricity or the means to prepare food after floodwaters inundated homes and thick layers of mud covered kitchens and living spaces.
“There is still water inside our home and we have no way to cook. The dry food we had has run out, and we spend the nights in the dark with our children because there is no electricity,” said Nurul Islam, a resident of flood-hit Chattogram.
Army and navy personnel have been deployed to ferry food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies by boat to isolated communities, while damaged roads and bridges continue to hamper relief operations.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Iqbal Hossain said authorities were working around the clock to assist those affected.
“The government is doing everything possible to support flood victims. Relief, safe drinking water and medical supplies are being distributed, and we urge people whose homes have been inundated to move to the nearest shelter,” he said during a visit to Chattogram.