Bangladesh: Disruptions due to flooding continue across eastern parts of the country as of Sept. 4 /update 1

Flood-related disruptions continue to affect parts of eastern Bangladesh as of Sept. 4. Heavy downpours since Aug. 20 have triggered widespread flooding affecting eleven districts across Chittagong and Sylhet Divisions. Although the flood situation has generally begun to improve in most affected areas over recent days, related disruptions continue to impact the region. As of Sept. 4, authorities have reported 71 flood-related fatalities across the affected areas. Nearly 300,000 are still being temporarily accommodated in more than 3,600 shelters established across the region. Around 582,000 people remain stranded due to the flooding. Many homes, roads, and other infrastructure have been damaged by the floods. Widespread light-to-moderate rainfall with occasional heavy downpours is forecast across the affected area over the coming days amid the ongoing monsoon season. 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.