Bangladesh Floods Leave Eight Dead and Two Million Affected

• Bangladesh Floods: Eight Dead and Over Two Million Affected 

• Monsoons from India and Heavy Rains Lead to Deadly Floods in Bangladesh.

A flooded area of Rangpur district in Bangladesh. Photo: Collected 

The death toll from floods in Bangladesh this week has risen to eight, with more than two million people affected after heavy rains caused major rivers to burst their banks, officials confirmed Saturday.

The South Asian nation of 170 million people, crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, has experienced more frequent floods in recent decades. Climate change has made rainfall more erratic and increased the melting of glaciers upstream in the Himalayan mountains. Bangladesh is currently in the midst of the annual summer monsoon, which brings 70-80% of South Asia's annual rainfall, often leading to regular deaths and destruction due to flooding and landslides.

Rainfall is difficult to forecast and varies considerably, but scientists say climate change is making the monsoon stronger and more unpredictable. Additionally, India opens up barrage gates every monsoon season, which is a major cause of flooding in Bangladesh. The Flood Warning Center and Charbasi reported that the Teesta River has entered Bangladesh from its source in Sikkim, India. Neighboring India uses Teesta water for its own benefit by constructing the Farakka Dam upstream of the Bangladesh portion of the river. During the monsoon, excess water is released to the Bangladesh side by opening the Farakka Gate. Conversely, during the dry season, the Indian government monopolizes Teesta water by closing the gates, leading to drought conditions in Bangladesh.

As soon as the rainy season begins, the barrage authorities control the water flow of the Teesta River by opening the 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage in Bangladesh.

—  Charbasi

As the rainy season begins, the barrage authority controls the water flow of the Teesta River by opening the 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage in Bangladesh. This year, the situation is no different. Continuous rains and upstream waves have increased the water flow, causing flooding in low-lying areas along the banks of the Teesta River. Roads in the Char area are submerged, and boats have become the primary means of transportation for residents.

The Teesta Barrage Flood Warning Center reported that the flow of Teesta at Dalia Point was 17 cm below at 6 am on July 3, 19 cm below at 9 am, and 22 cm below at 12 pm on July 3. Additionally, 42 mm of rainfall was recorded in the last 24 hours. However, there is no major flood threat at the moment.