The Hindu : International : Flood situation worsens in Bangladesh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 19, 2004

International

International

Flood situation worsens in Bangladesh

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, JULY 18. Nearly two million people in Dhaka's suburbs have been affected as flood waters inundated large areas on the outskirts of the densely populated capital.

The floods which affected the north and north-eastern parts of Bangladesh in the last few days have hit the central region that includes Dhaka and its adjoining areas. The situation in the districts of Sirajganj, Bogra, Sherpur, Narsingdi, Munshiganj, Jamalpur, Pabna, Manikganj and Sunamganj worsened on Sunday. Low-lying areas of Dhaka have been severely flooded and those rendered homeless have started leaving their areas.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has predicted that more areas around Dhaka might be submerged in a day or two. The rising waters are also threatening the Dhaka city protection embankment.

The Jamuna is flowing 75 cm above the danger mark and many district towns are already under water.

In most of the flood-hit districts, the sufferings of the people have been compounded with the scarcity of food, drinking water and firewood. Road and rail communications too have been disrupted.

The Ganges and the Padma are continuing to rise at all points after incessant rains for the last two days.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International