Bangladesh is facing one of the worst floods in decades, with 54 confirmed dead as of Friday, according to official sources. The disaster has mainly affected 11 districts in the eastern part of the country, leaving more than five million people in dire conditions.
Death toll and affected regions
According to data provided by the Ministry of Disaster Management, the highest number of fatalities (19) occurred in Feni district. Among the dead are six women and seven children. The unprecedented floods, caused by heavy rains and overflowing rivers, have devastated 64 sub-districts and left more than a million families homeless.
The worst affected districts are Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and Habiganj. Officials have said that the situation in some areas, particularly Sylhet, Habiganj and Chattogram, is beginning to show signs of improvement.
UNICEF warning: Children at grave risk
UNICEF has issued a stark warning, saying that more than two million children are at grave risk as floods have swept away homes, schools and entire villages. “These floods, the worst in eastern Bangladesh in 34 years, have affected 5.6 million people,” UNICEF said in a statement.
The organization noted that millions of children and their families are stranded without access to food and essential supplies. Rescue operations are being carried out by government personnel and volunteers, but difficult conditions in some areas are hampering efforts.
“The devastating floods in eastern Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Bangladesh. She noted that many children have lost their homes, schools and loved ones, leaving them destitute.
Emergency response and financing needs
In response to the crisis, UNICEF is distributing water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies. However, the organization has appealed for urgent funding and estimates that $35.3 million is needed to support life-saving interventions for children and pregnant and lactating women.
Government and community response
Bangladesh’s caretaker government faces significant challenges in managing the disaster, particularly in light of political instability and law and order problems. More than 600 people have been killed in recent protests and violence linked to the overthrow of the previous government.
Despite these challenges, several government forces, including the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Border Guard, along with NGOs and community-based organizations, are actively involved in relief efforts. The interim government has also launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to help flood victims.
Contributions have poured in from multiple quarters, including a donation of one day’s salary from all Bangladesh Army personnel. People from all walks of life are stepping forward to help those affected by the floods.
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