Millions stranded as floods ravage parts of Bangladesh, India, more rain forecast

DHAKA/GUWAHATI, India, June 18 (Reuters) – Monsoon rains precipitated widespread flooding in northeastern Bangladesh and India, stranding practically 6 million folks and killing not less than 19 folks in Bangladesh, authorities mentioned on Saturday, warning the scenario might worsen.

Lightning strikes have killed not less than 15 folks in eight districts in Bangladesh since Friday, and 4 folks had been killed in landslides, police officers mentioned.

The flooding in Bangladesh, described by a authorities professional as probably the nation’s worst since 2004, was exacerbated by the runoff from heavy rain throughout Indian mountains. Rain continued on Saturday, with extra forecast over the following two days.

“A lot of the nation’s northeast is underwater and the scenario is getting worse as heavy downpour continues,” mentioned Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, chief administrator of Bangladesh’s Sylhet area.

Seasonal monsoon rains, a lifeline for farmers throughout South Asia, additionally usually trigger lack of life and property yearly.

Bangladesh and India have skilled rising excessive climate in recent times, inflicting large-scale harm. Environmentalists warn local weather change might result in extra disasters, particularly in low-lying and densely populated Bangladesh.

The worst-hit Sunamganj district in Bangladesh is nearly disconnected from the remainder of the nation, Hossain advised Reuters, including that authorities helped by the military had been centered on rescuing these trapped and distributing reduction.

“There may be scarcity of boats, which makes it tougher to maneuver folks to safer locations,” he mentioned. “In the present day the navy is becoming a member of us in rescue efforts.”

Tv footage confirmed Bangladesh roads and railway traces submerged, with folks wading via chest-high brown churning waters, carrying their belongings and livestock.

A lot of Bangladesh’s rivers have risen to harmful ranges, mentioned Arifuzzaman Bhuiyan, head of the state-run Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre.

Syed Rafiqul Haque, a former lawmaker and ruling celebration politician in Sunamganj district, mentioned a humanitarian disaster might emerge if the floods didn’t recede and correct rescue operations weren’t carried out.

“The scenario is alarming,” he advised Reuters. “There is no such thing as a electrical energy, no street connection, no cell community. Individuals are in desperately in want of quick shelter and meals.”

In neighbouring India’s northeastern state of Assam, armed forces had been referred to as in for rescue efforts after landslides killed not less than 9 folks and displaced practically 2 million from their houses within the final 10 days, officers mentioned.

“Troopers are serving to police and civil authorities in a number of elements of Assam in evacuating trapped villagers,” Jogen Mohan, the state’s income minister, advised Reuters.

Torrential rains lashed 25 of the state’s 33 districts for a sixth day.

Enhancing by Edwina Gibbs/William Mallard/Ros Russell

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