Bangladesh: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across eastern parts of the country as of Aug. 22

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of eastern Bangladesh as of Aug. 22 due to recent heavy rainfall amid the ongoing monsoon season. Heavy downpours since Aug. 20 have triggered widespread flooding across parts of Chittagong and Sylhet Divisions. Authorities have reported two flood-related fatalities in Chittagong Division: one in Feni District and one in Brahmanbaria District. Nearly 3 million people have been affected by the flooding across the region and around 75,000 are being temporarily accommodated in more than 1,500 emergency shelters that have been established in affected areas. Many roads have been inundated by floodwaters, including sections of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Comilla District. Nearly 190,000 families have been stranded due to floods across parts of Chittagong and Sylhet divisions. Train services from Chattogram to the rest of the country have been suspended Aug. 22 due to inundated tracks and rail services have also been halted across Sylhet Division. Power and communication outages have been reported in affected areas.

Further adverse weather is forecast across much of Bangladesh over the coming days. As of Aug. 22, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for much of the country, including across the Chittagong and Sylhet Divisions. Heavy rainfall (daily rainfall totals of 4.4-8.8 cm, 1.7-3.5 inches) to very heavy rainfall (over 8.9 cm, 3.5 inches) are expected in affected areas through at least early Aug. 24. Additional downpours could exacerbate the ongoing flood situation and hamper response and recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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.

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.

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.