Amid the ongoing floods in Bangladesh, a significant outbreak of waterborne diseases is adding to the misery of those affected. Over the last 24 hours, at least six people have died and nearly 3,000 have been hospitalised due to waterborne illnesses across flood-hit regions, as reported by the Directorate General of Health Services.
The worst-hit areas include Cumilla, Feni, and Lakshmipur, where the majority of cases have been reported. Cumilla has seen the highest number of cases, with 1,606 individuals affected, followed by 686 in Feni and 120 in Lakshmipur. The rapid spread of these diseases is largely attributed to the lack of access to clean drinking water and the scarcity of water purification tablets.
In Lakshmipur, residents like Jahid Hossain from Kolakopa village in Charbadam union have been battling severe diarrhoea after being forced to consume contaminated floodwater. Gias Uddin, a farmer from the same union, reported painful rashes on his hands and feet, which have not responded to treatment. The Lakshmipur Civil Surgeon’s Office confirmed that 58 patients were hospitalised with diarrhoea within the last 24 hours.
Similar conditions have been reported from Feni and Cumilla, where many are suffering from diarrhoea and skin diseases. In Chhagalnaiya upazila of Feni, prolonged exposure to floodwaters has resulted in widespread rashes and other health complications. For many, access to health facilities remains a challenge due to the extensive flooding, leaving thousands stranded without medical aid.
The situation is particularly dire for those in temporary shelters. In Cumilla, Wahedunnesa, a 70-year-old resident, has been struggling with diarrhoea and cold while staying at a shelter centre. Despite the availability of oral saline and water purification tablets, the shared toilet facilities make her condition worse.
As the death toll from the floods rises to 52, the scale of the disaster becomes even more apparent. Since the flash floods began on August 22, triggered by heavy rainfall and water surges from upstream, over 54 lakh people across 11 districts have been affected. The floods have left over 10 lakh families stranded, exacerbating the already critical public health situation.
With the crisis deepening, the need for urgent medical assistance, clean drinking water, and relief supplies is more critical than ever to prevent further loss of life. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, along with health officials, is working tirelessly to provide aid, but the scale of the disaster calls for immediate and widespread support.