Catastrophic Floods in India and Bangladesh Leave Hundreds of Thousands Stranded

Severe Floods Leave Hundreds of Thousands Stranded in India and Bangladesh

Widespread flooding caused by torrential rains has left hundreds of thousands stranded in northeastern India and eastern Bangladesh. The heavy downpour has resulted in significant devastation, with multiple deaths reported across both countries.

Rising Death Toll in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, still grappling with recent political unrest, the death toll has risen to 13 as of Friday. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief reported that approximately 4.5 million people have been affected by the floods, with extensive areas submerged under water.

India’s Tripura State Devastated by Floods

In India’s northeastern state of Tripura, continuous heavy rains have triggered landslides and severe flooding, forcing more than 65,000 people to evacuate. Authorities have confirmed at least 23 deaths, with over 450 relief camps set up to assist the affected population. The state has suffered extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Rescue efforts are in full swing, with soldiers using lifeboats to transport stranded residents to safety. Television footage shows army personnel navigating through streets flooded with knee-deep water, while vehicles remain marooned. The incessant rainfall over the past four days has caused rivers to swell, exacerbating the flooding situation.

Impact on Eastern Bangladesh

The rising waters from Tripura have devastated several districts in eastern Bangladesh, including Cumilla, Feni, and Noakhali. Many residents are pleading for rescue as power outages and disrupted road links have left them isolated. Floodwaters have cut off travel and communication between Dhaka, the capital, and the southeastern port city of Chittagong, with major highways submerged.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

While annual monsoon rains in South Asia regularly cause flooding, the increasing frequency and severity of these events are linked to climate change. Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common, leading to widespread destruction.

Eyewitness Accounts and the Human Toll

Rescue volunteer Zahed Hossain Bhuiya described the situation in Feni as “catastrophic,” stating, “We are doing our best to save as many people as possible.” Nur Islam, a 60-year-old shopkeeper in Feni, reported that his home was completely submerged, saying, “Everything is underwater.”

Political Controversy Over Flood Causes

The floods have sparked a political controversy, with some Bangladeshis accusing India of worsening the situation by opening a river dam in Tripura. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has denied these claims, explaining that the dam is far from the border and that the heavy rains have led to automatic releases downstream.

Shared Rivers and Regional Vulnerability

The Gomti River, which flows through Tripura and into Bangladesh’s Cumilla district before emptying into the Bay of Bengal, remains above the danger mark, contributing to the flooding. India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers that flow from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, making both nations vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events across borders.

Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts

As rescue and relief efforts continue, both India and Bangladesh face the monumental task of rebuilding and recovering from the catastrophic floods. The affected communities will need substantial support to restore their lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of this disaster.