23 Jun 2022 | 04:19 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Severe flooding continues to cause disruptions across northeastern regions as of June 23 /update 2
Severe disruptions due to flooding ongoing in northeastern Bangladesh as of June 23; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Severe disruptions continue across parts of northeastern Bangladesh due to severe flooding as of June 23. A total of around 7.2 million people across 17 of the country's 64 districts have been impacted by flooding since late May. The worst-hit areas have been Sylhet and Sunamganj districts in Sylhet Division. Authorities have reported a total of 68 flood-related fatalities across the affected area, the majority of which have been in Sylhet Division. Over 450,000 people have been evacuated to around 1,400 safety shelters; however, millions more remain cut off due to damaged and flooded roads across the region. Operations have resumed at Osmani International Airport (ZYL) in Sylhet June 23; the facility had been closed due to inundated runways since June 17. The ongoing flooding is also causing growing concerns over the spread of water-borne diseases. Health officials have reported that over 4,000 people in the affected area have contracted water-borne diseases since the crisis began.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast light-to-moderate rainfall and thunderstorms across much of the affected area June 23-24, with isolated heavier downpours. Storms could be accompanied by strong wind gusts and lightning.
Hazardous Conditions
Additional 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 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Bay of Bengal coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
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 breeding grounds 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
Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions, before driving or routing shipments through affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Reconfirm rail and air travel arrangements before departure. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
