In the afternoon of Tuesday the 15th August 2017 severe floods were caused due to incessant rains in 20 districts in the northern part of Bangladesh. According to National Health Crises Management Centre (NHCMC) of Director General of Health Service (DGHS) control room on 14th August 2017, the death toll has risen to 89[1] and approximately 1.7 million people[2] have been affected by the floods. At least 110,400 hectors of cultivated land have been affected. An estimated 1,031 primary schools had to be closed. Even though the flood-affected families have taken shelter in higher ground but some are marooned in rising flood waters. Roads and railway communication between northern districts and the capital remain disconnected. Flood waters are flowing downstream and new areas in central part of the country are being affected. The Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Ganges and Padma rivers along with other major river systems in the country are expected to continue to rise during next couple of days, flooding more down stream areas. Affected people have taken shelters along the highways, road sides, embankments, and schools.
[1] Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR)
[2] National Health Crises Management Centre (NHCMC) of Director General of Health Service (DGHS) control room
