Bangladesh: Water levels continue to rise in Kurigram district /update 1

Event

Authorities warned that additional flooding is possible in Kurigram district as water levels continue to rise as of Tuesday, June 26. Monsoon rains are threatening to cause more flooding in the area, with the Brahmaputra, Teesta, and Dharla rivers currently standing at less than 2 cm (0.7) from danger levels. According to local residents, low-lying areas are already flooded and some communities have been isolated due to roads being cut off. Bangladesh’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that the Surma and Kushiyara rivers remain above danger levels and may continue to rise in the coming days.

Context

Flooding is common in Bangladesh during monsoon season, which runs annually from June to October. Humanitarian officials are concerned that monsoons and associated flooding will worsen conditions in refugee camps for the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rains.