Bangladesh: Floods - Jul 1997

Torrential monsoon rains in July 1997 caused extensive floodings in various parts of Bangladesh. According to the Flood Information Centre in Dhaka, cited by News Agencies, almost one fourth of the country was affected. Flash floods and land/mudslides were reported in some 20 (out of 64 administrative) districts, especially in North and Central North as well as in the hilly areas in the north and the south-east. (UN DHA, 13 Jul 1997)

Seventy - seven people were reported dead and many were missing. At least 300,000 acres of crops were destroyed, more than 100,000 homes were washed away and a million people were marooned for days as towns and villages were innundated under several feet of swirling waters. Educational institutions, bridges, roads and other infrastructure were severely damaged and destroyed. More than 3.5 million people were affected in 22 districts of north-eastern and south-eastern parts of Bangladesh. (ACT, 1 Oct 1997)