Heavy rain over the past few days has caused flash floods and waterlogging in large parts of Bangladesh, especially along the coastal areas. Many towns and cities have seen severe flooding, leading to evacuations and significant disruption.
Details of the damage are tragic. Two students from the Feni Polytechnic Institute drowned while hiking in Mirsarai. Their bodies were recovered almost a day later. Unfortunately, drowning incidents are becoming common during such extreme weather, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness in these conditions.
Road communication has suffered due to floodwaters inundating many areas. Long traffic jams, sometimes lasting all day, have made commuting nearly impossible. Power outages have also affected multiple locations, increasing the hardship for residents. Schools and exams have been suspended in the worst-hit regions, bringing back painful memories of last year’s flooding in Feni.
The rains have been relentless. As of Wednesday, Feni recorded 399 mm of rainfall, marking one of the highest amounts since 1973. Since July 7, overall rainfall has reached 584 mm—80% of the average monthly rainfall. Rivers like the Muhuri and Kohua overflowed, creating breaches and flooding 30 villages, stranding around 25,000 people. Such rainfall events can be linked to climate change, which is making weather patterns more unpredictable.
Local government officials have stepped up efforts to protect important structures, such as the embankments near the Padma Bridge. However, residents like Nurul Islam shared how they felt helpless, losing their homes and belongings to the rising waters. Others, like Ali Raz, faced similar fates as his family lost their house to floodwaters washing away their homes.
Floods can have dire economic consequences, particularly for low-income families relying on informal work. Business activity drops significantly as people are forced to stay indoors, affecting those who run small roadside shops or drive three-wheelers. A recent report highlighted how extreme weather affects over 70% of informal workers in flood-prone areas, making them particularly vulnerable during crises.
In places like Khulna, entire neighborhoods have submerged, causing further distress. The heavy rainfall has also damaged local infrastructure, such as collapsing roofs on public buildings. The situation demands immediate attention from both local authorities and the government.
Weather experts predict that the ongoing monsoon conditions, exacerbated by local low pressure systems, will continue to threaten the region. The potential for landslides in hilly areas adds another layer of risk. Residents are advised to remain alert as conditions could worsen again soon.
As the situation develops, it’s crucial for affected families to receive help swiftly. Offering support and resources can make a significant difference during these times of crisis. For ongoing updates, refer to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and other local news resources.
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