Bangladesh, India: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of northeast Bangladesh and northeast India as of May 27 /update 2

Event

Severe flooding continues to cause disruptions across parts of northeastern Bangladesh and northeastern India as of May 27. Hundreds of thousands of people across parts of Assam State in India and Sylhet Division in Bangladesh continue to be affected by the flooding. Power outages, road closures, and health concerns are ongoing across the affected areas. Floodwaters are receding in some areas; however, further adverse weather is forecast in the region over the coming days. The additional downpours could exacerbate the flooding situation and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Authorities in Assam state have reported 30 fatalities since severe flooding began in the region around May 18. As of May 27, over 550,000 people across seven districts of the state are still being impacted by the floods. Over 66,000 people continue to shelter in the 365 relief camps established by authorities across the state. Nearly one thousand villages are still experiencing flooding and a number of roads and bridges across the affected areas have been damaged by floodwaters. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of further isolated heavy rainfall over Assam and Meghalaya states through June 1. Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) have been issued across the region May 27-31.

Flooding in northeastern Bangladesh since May 17 has affected around two million people, with the worst-affected areas being Sylhet and Sunamganj districts in Sylhet Division. At least ten fatalities have been reported across the two worst affected districts. Hundreds of homes in the region have been damaged and road links and communications have been disrupted. Around 150,000 people across the affected area have been without power since May 17 due to power stations being submerged by floodwaters. Over 850 educational institutions in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts have been forced to suspend classes due to the flooding. Sylhet Civil Surgeon's Office has also reported that nearly 100 people have been affected by waterborne diseases as of May 26. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall and thunderstorms, accompanied by temporary gusts of winds, across many parts of Sylhet Division May 27-28.

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