Bangladesh: Deadly monsoon flooding in eastern district

Event

Heavy rains in northeast India over the past few days have caused significant flooding throughout Bangladesh's Moulvibazar and Sylhet districts, isolating thousands, displacing hundreds, and killing at least eight people. Local officials report that over 200 schools have closed due to severe flooding. As of Wednesday, June 20, local officials report that the Manu River had begun to recede, but that the Surma and Kushiyara rivers continued to rise.

Context

Flooding is common in Bangladesh during monsoon season, which lasts from June to October annually. Humanitarian officials are concerned that monsoons and associated flooding will worsen conditions in refugee camps for the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. 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. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rains.