Bangladesh Floods

Heavy monsoon raised have submerged communities in Sylhet and Sunamganj, Bangladesh.

Rivers banks have bursted following heavy monsoon rain, cutting off around 2 million people in northeast Bangladesh. Many families are stranded and could run out of food within days.

In mid-May 2022, Bangladesh experienced its worst flood in 18 years. Several districts in the north and northeast of the country were inundated with flood water causing severe disruption to essential services and livelihoods. Less than a month later, Bangladesh was hit by further flooding.

The major rivers – the Surma, Kushiyara and Sari-Gowain have risen beyond the danger level due to excessive rainfall. The water level of the Surma River increased 26 cm in 24 hours at Sunamganj point.

At least 600 villages of Companiganj, Gowainghat, Sylhet Sadar, Jaintiapur, Kanaighat and South Surma cities are impacted by worsening floods. It is estimated 4.3 million people have been affected. Communities in low-lying areas in Sylhet and Sunamganj have been deluged. Homes and schools as well as vital infrastructure such as power supply lines, water sources and roads are all damaged or underwater. Travel is severely disrupted by the floods and this is posing a challenge for responders.

Without vital aid and intervention, so many will continue to suffer beyond the crisis. The need for humanitarian assistance is urgent.

Vital infrastructure has been destroyed

When floods strike, vulnerable children, women, men, and elders are cut off from life-saving medicine, vital communication, and transport. Thousands of toilets and tube wells have already been destroyed, and without adequate sanitation and shelter, many are even more vulnerable to the spread of disease.

Hundreds of educational institutions have either been closed, or submerged by the devastating floods – the future of education for so many is now at risk or gone completely.

What’s more, the looming of an ongoing global hunger crisis which has already engulfed parts of the world threatens to worsen the unfolding situation in Bangladesh. The department of Agricultural Extension’s district office confirms that the rising water levels have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of seedbeds and summer vegetables. The people of the region may now face starvation without our help. Your donations can help save lives.

Bangladesh floods: Islamic Relief teams are responding

You have the power to prevent the further suffering of those facing the floods in Bangladesh right now. Islamic Relief has been working in Bangladesh for over 30 years, and is responding now. As well as hiring boats to reach stranded people, we will be distributing food, water purification, hygiene items, cash grants and fodder for cattle.

By donating to our Bangladesh Floods Appeal, you can provide a lifeline to the thousands of children, women, men, and elders who without our help, will face a life without their fundamental needs, let alone their livelihoods, homes and precious belongings.