Bangladesh’s death toll from flash floods hits 59

The death toll in the flash floods caused by heavy rain and upstream runoff in 11 districts has risen to 59, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Feni saw the most deaths from the disaster with 23, it said in a press release issued on Saturday. One person remains missing in Moulvibazar.

Of the dead, 41 are men, six are women, and 12 are children. District-wise the death toll is 14 in Cumilla, six in Chattogram, one in Khagrachhari, nine in Noakhali, one in Brahmanbaria, one in Lakshmipur, three in Cox’s Bazar and one in Moulvibazar.

According to the latest update, the number of flood victims has risen to 5,457,702 while 696,995 families are still trapped by the water.

According to the ministry, 504 unions and municipalities in 68 Upazilas in the 11 districts of Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur, and Cox’s Bazar have been inundated by the floods.

Heavy runoff from upstream and intense rain led to horrific flooding from Aug 20.

The flooding soon spread to many districts.

A total of 3,928 shelters have been made available to flood victims. Currently, 393,305 people have sought refuge at the shelters. On Friday, the number stood at 469,687.

The ministry says 519 medical teams are on duty to provide care to flood victims.

The government says it has distributed Tk 45.2 million in cash, 20,650 tonnes of rice, 15,000 boxes and packets of dried food and Tk 3.5 million for livestock feed to support flood victims.