Floodwaters have stranded hundreds of thousands of people in India’s northeast and neighboring Bangladesh’s eastern region, causing at least 15 deaths as rescuers struggled to reach those who needed help. In India’s northeastern Tripura state, at least 11 people were killed and thousands displaced from homes due to floods and mudslides since Wednesday. The floods have also claimed four lives in Bangladesh, where a pregnant woman died after falling into raging waters.
India’s Meteorological Department issued a “red” alert in Tripura, leading to the closure of schools and the opening of over 300 relief camps. The situation remains dire as many areas are still inundated, with people stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue. The rising waters have disrupted travel and communication, severing links between major cities.
The Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning center reported increasing water levels in many rivers, exacerbating the situation in the delta nation’s eastern, northeastern, and southeastern regions. Rescue efforts are underway, but challenges persist due to lack of communication and electricity in affected areas.
While both countries have been impacted by the floods, some Bangladeshis have accused India of causing flash floods by opening a river dam in Tripura. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has denied these allegations. The monsoon rains in South Asia typically begin in June, affecting both India and Bangladesh, which share numerous common rivers.
The military and other authorities have initiated rescue operations to assist those affected by the floods. The situation remains critical as the number of displaced people continues to rise, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts in the region.
