Desk report: At least 54 people have died and 39 others have been injured in the devastating floods, flash floods, and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and hill runoff across Bangladesh. More than 609,000 people have been affected, while 155,311 families remain stranded by floodwaters.
However, due to heavy downpour and upstream torrent, Teesta River water is flowing near the danger level. Water Development Board (WDB) issued a warning fearing deterioration of flood situation.
The latest update, released on Monday (July 13) by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, said seven districts are currently experiencing severe flooding. The affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.
According to the ministry, floodwaters have inundated 59 upazilas, 334 unions, and 12 municipalities across the affected districts. A total of 155,311 families are currently marooned, while the overall number of people affected has reached 609,411.
The ministry reported that the death toll has risen to 54, with another 39 people sustaining injuries due to the disaster.
District-wise casualty figures show that Cox’s Bazar recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 31 deaths, followed by Chattogram with 13, Bandarban with six, Rangamati with three, and Moulvibazar with one.
Among the 39 injured, 24 are from Cox’s Bazar, 12 from Chattogram, two from Bandarban, and one from Khagrachhari.
To provide emergency shelter for those displaced by the floods, the government has opened 1,042 shelter centres across the affected areas. According to the ministry, 38,422 people have already taken refuge in these shelters.
According to WDB sources, although the Teesta water level had decreased slightly over the past few days, it started rising for the second time at the Dalia Barrage point since Thursday.
Most recently, at 12:00PM on Monday, the Teesta River water at the Dalia point was flowing 12 centimeters below the danger mark. As a result, the river’s water is currently positioned very close to the danger level.
Executive Engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, Sunil Kumar, stated that according to information from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, short-term flood situations may develop in some low-lying areas adjacent to rivers in Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, and Kurigram districts within the next 24 to 48 hours.
He further added that the Teesta water level and the overall situation are being monitored constantly. Residents of the riverbank areas have been urged to remain cautious and follow the directives of the local administration.
