Death toll from heavy rains and flooding in Bangladesh rises to 71

Floods caused a real tragedy in Bangladesh / Photo: Infobae

Bangladeshi authorities reported on Wednesday the death of 71 people due to the heavy rains and floods that hit the country in recent weeks, especially in its eastern part, and which affected more than five million people.

The highest number of deaths was recorded in Feni district with 28 deaths, followed by Cumilla with another 19 deaths, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said in its latest bulletin, raising the total death toll to 71.

Added to this is the disappearance of one person in the north-eastern district of Maulvi Bazar.

Authorities said 504 municipalities were hit by the heavy rains that the country has seen in recent weeks, affecting more than five million people.

Shelters

In response to the floods, the country has opened 3,450 shelters that currently house some 242,000 people and nearly 30,000 heads of livestock, the bulletin said, adding that 469 medical teams have been deployed to care for those affected.

However, he noted that flood waters are receding in most districts.

According to the ministry’s estimates, rain will continue to hit most parts of Bangladesh for the next three days, with thunderstorms and gusty winds in the southeastern part.

Vulnerable country

Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to flooding due to its geography, climate and socio-economic conditions. The Asian country is also one of the most vulnerable in the world to climate change, which increases the frequency, severity and unpredictability of extreme weather events.

Much of the area lies in a delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, which exposes it to a high risk of flooding during the monsoon season.

Feni / EFE