Extreme Weather Batters Bangladesh: Floods Claim 13 Lives

Devastating floods ravage eastern Bangladesh, leaving at least 13 dead and impacting 4.5 million residents, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The deluge, caused by intense rainfall, has inundated vast areas of low-lying regions, prompting urgent evacuation efforts.

As of Friday, authorities reported that approximately 190,000 individuals have been relocated to emergency shelters, with 11 out of the country’s 64 districts affected by the rising waters. The coastal district of Feni, situated roughly 100km northwest of Chittagong, has borne the brunt of the disaster.

Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people intersected by numerous rivers, has long grappled with flooding. The Global Climate Risk Index identifies it as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to natural disasters and climate change impacts.

In the southeastern Cox’s Bazar region, three fatalities were confirmed as drowning victims, according to Rasedul Islam, the chief administrative officer of Ramu district.

While seasonal monsoon rains typically cause widespread damage annually, experts note that climate change is altering weather patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme events.

In response to the crisis, the government has deployed both army and navy personnel. Rescue teams equipped with speedboats and helicopters are working tirelessly to save those stranded by the swollen rivers.

This latest flooding incident underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures in Bangladesh, as the country continues to face mounting environmental challenges.