Bangladesh's flood crisis receives international support
Photo Credit: Nazmul Islam
The international community has responded to the devastating floods in eastern Bangladesh with logistical and financial support, including a $4 million aid pledge from the United Nations.
This funding will provide immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance to the nearly 6 million people affected by the floods.
As of now, 500,000 people have been displaced, over 7,000 schools remain closed, and an estimated $156 million has been lost in the livestock and fisheries sectors.
The UN and its humanitarian partners are working with the Bangladeshi government to address the recent floods, particularly assisting those most impacted.
This is the fourth major climate-related disaster in Bangladesh this year, affecting nearly 13 million people.
Aside from the UN, more International aid efforts are underway, with the UK government pledging £450,000 in humanitarian aid and Pakistan's Prime Minister offering support.
Even Palestine, through its Ambassador, has provided relief packages for flood victims.
Devastating impact
India's release of water from a hydroelectric plant in Tripura without prior warning to Bangladesh has worsened the flooding situation in the eastern region, drawing criticism from both the public and interim government.
The opening of the sluice gates caused a surge in water levels, overwhelming drainage systems and causing extensive destruction. Tragically, lives have been lost, and numerous families have been displaced, losing their homes, crops, and livestock.
The impact on agriculture is severe. Floodwaters have submerged farmlands, devastating crops and impeding farmers' ability to recover.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) reports that approximately 2,08,573 hectares of cropland have been flooded, resulting in a substantial loss of 7,14,514 metric tonnes of agricultural production.
The financial cost of this disaster is estimated at Tk 3346 crore, representing a 14.58% loss.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter revealed the significant damage to the fisheries and livestock sectors, with losses surpassing Tk 2,000 crore.
The devastating floods inflicted a severe blow to the livestock sector, resulting in losses of Tk 411 crore across 12 districts. Furthermore, the fisheries sector sustained substantial damage, reaching Tk 1,590 crore, as reported by Farida Akhter.
—