Bangladesh is grappling with the threat of waterborne diseases and a severe shortage of drinking water following last week’s devastating floods, which have left millions stranded and at least 54 dead. As floodwaters slowly recede, many remain in desperate need of food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothing, particularly in remote areas where rescue efforts are hampered by roadblocks.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has cautioned that flood conditions may persist if monsoon rains continue, with water levels receding at a sluggish pace. Approximately 470,000 people have sought refuge in 3,300 shelters across 11 flood-affected districts, with support from around 600 medical teams and the country’s military forces.
Authorities are prioritizing the provision of safe drinking water to prevent an outbreak of waterborne illnesses, which are already affecting thousands. The Directorate General of Health Services reported that approximately 3,000 people have been hospitalized in the past 24 hours due to such diseases. Meanwhile, vast agricultural areas remain submerged, threatening crop yields.
UNICEF has issued a stark warning, highlighting that two million children are at risk due to the worst floods in three decades in eastern Bangladesh. The organization urgently seeks $35 million in aid for life-saving supplies. Experts attribute the severity of these floods to the ongoing climate crisis, underscoring the need for immediate funding and resilience-building efforts in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations.
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