Bangladesh: Flooding affects hundreds of thousands of people /update 1

Event

Three weeks of non-stop heavy rain has triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of South Asia, including Bangladesh, that have impacted over a million people and caused widespread damage and destruction to homes and infrastructure.

Incessant rains in northern Bangladesh have caused the Jamuna and Padma rivers to overflow, flooding villages in Bogra, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Tangail, and Pabna districts. As of July 11, hundreds of thousands of people have been affected in 13 northern and northeastern districts, including 40,000 stranded and in need of assistance in Jamalpur.

The Bangladeshi weather agency (Met Office) has forecast more heavy rain over the next few days, which will likely worsen the situation.

Floods have also been reported in the southern and central districts of Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Cox's Bazar, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Sirajganj. More districts will be affected if flood waters in the north recede to the central part of the country.

Context

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding and landslides affect Bangladesh on a yearly basis during the rainy season that spans from April to October. Northern and central districts were affected by massive flooding throughout July and August 2016, with more than 1.5 million people affected across 16 central and southern districts; at least 60 people were killed by flood waters, while hundreds of thousands of residents were evacuated.

Floodwaters pose an increased health threat as they facilitate the spread of mosquito- and water-borne diseases. There is a risk of contracting malaria throughout the year in Bangladesh but transmission occurs only in rural areas. Dengue fever is endemic and is also transmitted through mosquito bites, including in urban areas. Gastric water-borne diseases are very common; epidemics usually occur during the rainy season.

Advice

Individuals present in regions affected by flooding are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Monitor any relevant developments of the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
Due to the possible presence of mosquito-borne diseases, individuals are advised to take preventive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, sleep in screened-in or air conditioned rooms) and destroy possible mosquito breeding grounds, which include masses of garbage and small pockets of stagnant water, e.g. water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, vases, flower pots, clogged gutters, air conditioners, and water dishes for pets.

To minimize your risk of contracting water-borne diseases, practice good hygiene, consume only treated or bottled water, and avoid foods that cannot be thoroughly cooked or disinfected.