What are the recent flood-hit areas?
People from the Indian state of Assam and the Sylhet region of Bangladesh have faced a lot of damage caused by floods this year. Floods are usually caused by heavy rainfall. It is no different this time. Floods have led to people losing their lives and having to leave their homes. They have even lost access to food and clean water.
Is there something different about the floods this year?
Yes - the floods are way worse this year. According to Bangladesh's government, the current flood is the worst in the last 122 years.
Things are not good in India either. The Indian Meteorological Department has said that flood-affected areas have received more rainfall than usual.
More than 100 people have lost their lives, and many more are now homeless. Schools, hospitals, shops, etc. are all closed due to flooding.
Who is helping the victims of the flood?
In India, the military and the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) are continuously working on rescuing people from danger. Even the Bangladeshi military and government are helping their people. Organisations like the Humanitarian Aid International and UNICEF, local places of worship, etc., are also trying to rescue and help victims in both countries.
Have these countries done anything to ensure this doesn’t happen again?
Yes, they have. The Indian government has built a network of flood forecasting stations that can warn locals whenever there is a risk of flooding.
The Bangladeshi government has also made a National Plan for Disaster Management to prepare for floods using early warning systems and planning how to safely get people out of danger zones.
Are there ways to reduce the damage from floods in future?
Yes, there are many ways to reduce the damage caused by floods. The most common way to do it is by constructing dams or planting trees to control the flow of too much water. You can donate food and spare clothes to government organisations involved in rescue operations to help the victims of the flood.
