Bangladesh, India: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of northeast Bangladesh and northeast India as of May 23 /update 1

Event

Severe flooding following days of heavy rainfall is continuing to cause disruptions across parts of northeast Bangladesh and northeast India as of May 23. Flooding and landslides have led to dozens of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of people being displaced across the affected area, which includes parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Meghalaya states in India and Sylhet Division in Bangladesh. Rainfall levels are forecast to ease across much of the affected region in the coming days; however, the India Meteorological Department is maintaining yellow thunderstorm, and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for Bihar State May 23-24 and for Assam and Meghalaya states May 23, and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned of rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds across parts of Sylhet Division May 23-24.

In Bangladesh, much of the Sunamganj and Sylhet districts in the Sylhet Division have been heavily impacted by flooding, including the city of Sylhet. At least ten fatalities have been reported, and around two million people have been affected across the two districts since floods began impacting the region from May 12. Floodwaters caused a levee on the Borak River near the Indian border to burst, inundating at least 100 villages near Zakiganj in Sylhet District.

In India, at least 65 weather-related fatalities have been reported across the affected regions in recent days. In Assam State, at least 24 people have died and over 700,000 people have been affected by flooding and landslides. Nearly 100,000 people are being accommodated in state-run shelters after flooding inundated over 3,000 villages across the state. At least 33 people were killed and dozens of others injured in severe thunderstorms that have brought hail, lightning, strong winds, and heavy rainfall to parts of Bihar state since May 19. Power outages and transport disruptions have also been reported in affected areas of the state. Authorities have also reported five fatalities in Arunachal Pradesh State and three in Meghalaya states due to flooding and landslides in recent days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.

Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Bangladesh Meteorological Department
India Meteorological Department