Flood in Bangladesh

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the northern provinces of Bangladesh. The districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Rangpur, Sirajganj, Jamalpur and Lalmonirhat are particularly affected by the flood waters from the rain and upstream in India.

As of 31 August 2014 it was reported that 17 of the nation's 64 districts had been affected by the flooding, with forecasts of more rain to come. 500,000 people are estimated to have been left homeless by the floods.

Flood control embankments in Jamalpur, Gaibandha, and Bogra collapsed in strong currents, with reports of hundreds of families being displaced due to river erosion and rise in water levels. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said 11 rivers were flowing above the danger level.

17 people have been reported killed in the floods, and there have been hundreds of cases of illnesses and disease, including pneumonia. Ensuring the victims of the floods receive clean food and water has been a major concern for relief workers assisting the homeless who have no where else to go.

As water levels in northern districts recede, rivers in central parts of Bangladesh, particularly Padma are likely to swell further. In addition, the surging flood waters have taken a toll on agriculture, sweeping away crops and resulting in what will likely be a future shortage of food for some.