On October 5, 2024, severe flash floods in Sherpur and Mymensingh, Bangladesh, have resulted in at least four fatalities and left one woman missing. Approximately 225,000 people have been marooned by the rising waters, leading to significant agricultural losses and widespread displacement.
The deceased include Rahijob Ambia, 45, and Idris Ali, 65, both from Sherpur, as well as siblings Hatem Ali and Alamgir from Abhinagar village. Ambia was swept away while attempting to reach a shelter with her child, who survived by clinging to a tree.
Floodwaters have inundated homes and agricultural lands, affecting over 65,000 farmers. Approximately 25,000 hectares of Aman paddy and 1,000 hectares of vegetables have been submerged, with thousands of fish lost from local ponds. The local administration is mobilizing efforts to evacuate victims and provide relief, but the situation remains dire.
In Mymensingh, an additional 125,000 residents are impacted, with significant crop damage reported. Many families have lost their homes and are seeking refuge with relatives. The ongoing flooding crisis poses a serious threat to food security and livelihoods in the region.
This natural disaster highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and disaster response strategies to mitigate the impact of climate-related events in Bangladesh.