At least five people have died and more than 100,000 remain stranded as severe flooding continues to ravage northern Bangladesh, officials reported Sunday.
Heavy rains and swollen rivers have inundated vast areas, particularly in the Sherpur district, where water levels of major rivers have surged dramatically.
“The situation is dire,” said Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman, Sherpur district administrator. “Many homes and roads are under several feet of water, cutting off entire villages.”
Among the casualties, authorities found a decomposed body suspected to have floated from neighboring India, highlighting the cross-border impact of the disaster.
Rescue efforts are underway, with army personnel using boats and helicopters to reach stranded residents. “Our priority is evacuating people to safe shelters and providing essential supplies,” Rahman added.
The floods have submerged vast swathes of farmland, threatening crops and livelihoods. Abu Taher, a local farmer, said, “I’ve never seen flooding like this in my life. Our fields are completely underwater.”
Bangladesh, a low-lying nation prone to flooding, has experienced multiple such disasters this year. Climate scientists warn that global warming is likely exacerbating these events.
As the water continues to rise and more rain is forecast, fears grow for those still trapped by the floods. The United Nations has launched a $134 million humanitarian appeal to support affected communities.
