15 million people at risk as Bangladesh faces major flooding

Just weeks after heavy rain first brought flash flooding to the north-east of the country in late May, this latest wave began on June 20th and is threatening to leave vast swathes of the population in crisis.

Meanwhile, in Cox's Bazar in the southeastern part of the country - where Concern works with the local community to provide crucial services to the displaced Rohingya community - significant flooding has been reported since June 18th. 

In parts of Bangladesh, roads have been submerged, leaving certain communities cut off, while critical infrastructure such as schools, colleges, post offices and other Government offices were inundated by the flood waters. 

Local markets have also been affected.

Manish Kumar Agrawal, Concern's Country Director in Bangladesh, says that the climate crisis is playing a massive role in the latest spell of threatening weather.

“Urgent humanitarian support is needed in flood affected districts," Manish insists.

"There is an urgent need for safe drinking water, food, shelter, hygiene and dignity kits, emergency latrine installation, tube well disinfection, health care support and multipurpose cash assistance to flood affected people.

“This is the second flood this season in Bangladesh. The first spell of floods in late May and June, which was mostly linked to Cyclone Remal, induced heavy rainfall mostly in upstream regions in India. 

"Bangladesh has been experiencing flooding at large scale across the country due to the combination of climatic and natural factors like extreme rainfall.

“While monsoon rains vary in their severity in Bangladesh, climate change has critically contributed to the intensity of this year’s rains.”

Communities caught up in the flooding are highly vulnerable to being cut off from essential supports.

It is estimated that almost 8 million women, more than 6.5 million children and adolescents, and more than 200,000 people with disabilities are being impacted by the destructive torrents of rain.

Manish adds: “The flooding impact in terms of loss and damage is now of great concern. Particularly agriculture crop loss, damaged shelter and communication, education, healthcare infrastructure, as well as water sanitation facilities for the affected population in Bangladesh.

"Such frequent and intense weather events are increasing the vulnerability of the communities (especially women and children, people with disabilities and the elderly) and are in turn negatively affecting efforts to build community resilience.”

Concern’s emergency response in Bangladesh is twofold: Since 2017, we have been one of the lead NGOs responding to the Rohingya crisis, working in Cox’s Bazar to support hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees with both frontline and ongoing support, including protection, livelihood, nutrition, and healthcare services. 

We also respond to emergencies at large across the country. 

Working with local leaders and government authorities, we distribute hot meals and other essential items to Bangladeshis who are displaced by natural and man-made disasters, and provide cash transfers to help people avoid slipping back into poverty if they suffer a setback as a result of a large-scale emergency. 

We also ensure that the most vulnerable are protected during emergencies and work with communities to safeguard against damage and loss in the case of future disasters.