Over 1mn affected as floods ravage Bangladesh

Dhaka: Over a million people in Bangladesh are grappling with severe waterlogging and flooding after a week of continuous heavy rainfall. The deluge has claimed at least 45 lives through landslides and other flood-related incidents.

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I left my car behind--I usually travel by car. My office is in Fakirapool. The office owner called and said that water had entered the office. There is a lot of furniture there, so I have to go myself. Also, a delivery letter is arriving today from Saudi Arabia, and an Arabic speaker will be coming. Because of this, it is mandatory for me to go.

The capital, Dhaka, along with Chittagong city, hilly regions, and the coastal district of Cox's Bazar, are experiencing significant flooding. Road and rail links to Cox's Bazar are disrupted, and numerous schools and educational institutions have been impacted. In Dhaka, all schools have been closed since the previous night due to the intense rainfall. The water levels in seven major rivers across Bangladesh remain above danger marks, with northern districts also severely affected.

Residents are facing immense difficulties. One woman, attempting to reach her flooded office in Fakirapool, described her journey by rickshaw through knee-deep water, expressing fear of falling. She also noted the urgency of retrieving furniture and receiving an important delivery.

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I couldn't bring the car out. Now I've headed out by rickshaw, but I am very scared that I might fall off the rickshaw. All right, then, thank you for coming out in this rain to make these videos. Thank you.

A rickshaw puller, navigating the chest-high water, spoke of the hardship but also the determination to earn a livelihood. "Even so, we are working hard through all these difficulties to run our households. We are earning an income this way," he said.

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We are in a lot of trouble, as you can see. We are facing a lot of difficulties. This rickshaw puller uncle... he looked after us so carefully, taking us through the road just like a daughter, navigating through all the broken and flooded spots. A big thank you to him, and thank you to you too

Schools have postponed classes and exams. A student lamented the disruption, stating, "There was supposed to be a school exam today, but the exam won't happen anymore." The Bangladesh Army has been deployed under 'In Aid to Civil Power' to support civil administration in addressing the flood situation.

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I am pulling this rickshaw while completely drenched in this rain. The water is chest-high. Even so, we are working hard through all these difficulties to run our households. We are earning an income this way. In this rain, whatever provision Allah gives us, our livelihood runs on that. What else can I say?