Bangladesh has been struggling with devastating floods since April this year, where 100s have lost their lives and millions have been stranded. Most of these people who died have believed to have drowned, but snake bites and other infections have also caused deaths. The affected areas are mostly in the northern part of the country. Typically, the monsoon begins in June, however, this year heavy rains and storms hit the country in March itself, triggering floods in later months. The country has suffered, on and off, from heavy downpours that have led to floods. These floods are being named the worst of the century.
Nevertheless, now there have been signs that the floods are receding. This should give people enough chance to start rebuilding their lives and the government to offer more help to the people in need. According to government figures, 32 people have died, but the ground reality is different. According to sources, the government figure is not accurate and death are somewhere around 100. Thousands of people have lost their houses, and are struggling to find fresh clean drinking water and food. The situation it seems is worse in rural areas.
Unfortunately, another threat is now looming in the country and this is the onslaught of waterborne diseases and infections. Following the floods, Bangladesh might see widespread infections from waterborne diseases. The sources believe that the government is not prepared for it.
On the other hand, UNICEF in a statement said that the situation is extremely grave. About four million people have been cut off by the floods in the northeast and require urgent help. “Four million people, including 1.6 million children, stranded by flash floods in northeastern Bangladesh are in urgent need of help,” the agency said.
Furthermore, the agency also said 90% of its health facilities have been affected as well and cases of waterborne diseases are on the rise. The UN agency has sought US $2.5 million to supply water purification tablets, emergency medical supplies, and water containers.
