by Sumon Corraya

The torrential rains that are hitting the country have devastated 19 of 64 national districts. Over 20 thousand houses under water, the authorities close schools: if the situation does not change, all of these buildings will have to be demolished. The victims helpless, while the government admits: "We are not able to help everyone."

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - The terrible floods that are hitting Bangladesh have devastated 19 of the 64 national districts, leaving millions of people with little food, no drinking water and limited access to medical care. The first diseases related to lack of hydration are emerging, and the aid sent by the government in inadequate. Anamul Islam, a resident of Bagora, says: "We are living with nothing to eat. The help is not enough".

The housing situation is dire: about 20 thousand houses, scattered over 62 thousand hectares of land in the central districts, are completely underwater. Over 100 schools have been closed by the authorities, since it is impossible to keep them safe. The risk is that water erosion will become so severe that the buildings will have to be razed.

Moreover, according to government officials, the situation will not improve until at least the end of next week: the rivers Brahmaputra and Teesta continue to overflow, making roads impassable and destroying any attempt at reconstruction. Abdul Wazed, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management, admits: "We are distributing basic necessities, but there are countless affected. We really need a long-term program."

Even the capital Dhaka is at risk of flooding, where some districts are already under water.These include the areas of Nandipara, Vatara, Badda, Dakkhinkhan, Uttarkhan and Demra.

 

• bangladesh
• flooding
• energency
• victims
• aid
• relief