Over the previous few weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed the significant casualties inflicted by the severe rainfall in the region. The calamity has caused the loss of many lives, and public houses are immersed in water, adding to people’s misery in struggling for food and electricity. Although the precise number of fatalities has not yet been verified, a million people are reportedly homeless.
Floods have been a frequent occurrence in Bangladesh’s north-eastern region for many years. The worst-affected region is Sylhet. The northern region’s supply chain was severely hampered by floods because the road connection to the city was cut off.
Lately, the Bangladeshi government decided to rapidly involve the army in the rescue operation and in providing humanitarian aid to the civilians, while the other two wings of the military services, the air force, and navy, were also involved in operations to evacuate from flood-prone areas and provide airlift relief supplies to remote areas.
City on the verge of national emergency
The situation in Bangladesh is on the verge of declaring a national emergency.
- Advertisement -
Deltaic Numerous hundred tributaries and 56 major rivers crisscross Bangladesh, whose hydrologists have categorized it into four basins. Some of the 17 districts were affected by the flood. In two of the four major river basins of the nation, water levels are currently significantly above the danger lines. In comparison to the flooding in 2004, the situation seems to be the worse.
Rural residents, who are the worst affected by the disaster, are struggling to meet their basic needs. Few of them have access to medical facilities and relief efforts, while those who live in low-lying isolated locations are hardly ever able to do so. Some people are battling to rescue their livelihood while others’ homes have been destroyed by the waves.
Even in the north-eastern region of India, Assam had rainfall that was more than usual. The Indian government also assisted in relief and evacuation efforts. They worry that several individuals remain missing. Additionally, millions of Assamese residents were evicted from their houses, with some of them residing in shelters.
Can climate change be considered a cause for this?
Usually, the monsoon season in South Asia happens from June to September, but in recent years, due to the effects of global warming and various factors like changing patterns in the oceans and atmosphere, the climatic conditions have changed. This year, the rainfall hit the region as early as March.
If the situation persists, the scientist has issued a warning that the situation may worsen. The monsoon patterns have recently shifted because of the excessive amount of rain that falls in a little period.
Koll said, “When it rains, it dumps all that moisture in a few hours to a few days.”
Since 1987, Bangladesh has had four floods, the most recent of which was a catastrophic one in 2004. Bangladesh is recognized as one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country’s infrastructure, water supply chains, and agriculture are impacted by the frequent flooding scenario.
