Heavy monsoon rains have triggered devastating floods in Bangladesh, forcing nearly 300,000 people to seek emergency shelter. The floods have claimed at least 42 lives in Bangladesh and India since the start of the week, with many more affected.
The situation is dire, with highways and rail lines damaged, making access to flooded districts challenging. The flooding has also disrupted business activity and comes at a time when the country is recovering from recent civil unrest.
The worst-hit areas include Cox’s Bazar, home to around 1 million Rohingya refugees. The Indian state of Tripura has also been severely affected, with 24 reported deaths.
In response to the crisis, ordinary Bangladeshis have come together to crowdfund relief efforts, led by the same students who sparked the protests that led to the ouster of former leader Sheikh Hasina.
As the situation continues to unfold, forecasts suggest rain is likely to ease in the coming days, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected.
