Millions in this country are stranded by flooding. Many blame their neighbor
Wading through muddy floodwaters up to chest height, hundreds of people slowly make their way to safety, their belongings held high above their heads to keep them dry.
Feni Struggles to Recover amid Floodwaters, Blaming India for Water Release
Amidst chest-high floodwaters, hundreds of people wade towards safety, their belongings held high to keep them dry. Feni, in southeastern Bangladesh, is described as the epicenter of the country's worst floods in recent memory. Since Wednesday night, 11 districts have been inundated, submerging large portions of the city of nearly 1.5 million people.
Bangladesh relies on its rivers and waterways, particularly for fishing and rice farming. However, it is also prone to flooding and cyclones, exacerbated by climate change. Yet, this flood caught residents by surprise, and they blame Indian officials.
Numerous residents in Feni, located near the India border, accuse New Delhi of releasing water from the Dumbur dam in Tripura without warning. "They opened the gate, but no information was given," said Shoriful Islam, a volunteer. India denies the deliberate release, citing excessive rainfall, but acknowledges a power outage and communication breakdown that prevented them from issuing the usual warning.
"India used a water weapon," Islam alleges. "India is taking revenge for destroying the last government." Volunteer Abdus Salam has been unable to contact 12 family members stranded in a rural area. "I don't know if they're alive," he says, appealing for international aid.
Nearly 5 million people are affected by the floods in Bangladesh, with at least 18 fatalities. Neighboring India has also reported casualties and evacuations. Anger is rising among flood victims over the source of the flooding, with some believing politics played a role.
India's high commissioner to Bangladesh claims an "automatic release" occurred due to high water levels, while others suggest India sought retaliation for the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India denies any involvement, stating that flooding is primarily caused by water flowing from large catchment areas.
Rescue operations face logistical challenges, with limited access to boats and downed roads. Diplomats on both sides spar, while rescue teams work tirelessly to evacuate the stranded. Families cling to rooftops, lacking water, food, and medical attention.
One volunteer navigates through dense trees and marshes to rescue a mother and her sick newborn. Another man, working in Qatar, returned home to rescue his mother but was unable to reach her remote location. Instead, he helped evacuate relatives, who expressed gratitude for their safety.
As darkness falls, rescue efforts continue into the night. Feni residents hope for safety and sustenance until aid arrives or the floodwaters recede.
Amidst chest-high floodwaters, hundreds of people wade towards safety, their belongings held high to keep them dry. Feni, in southeastern Bangladesh, is described as the epicenter of the country's worst floods in recent memory. Since Wednesday night, 11 districts have been inundated, submerging large portions of the city of nearly 1.5 million people.
Bangladesh relies on its rivers and waterways, particularly for fishing and rice farming. However, it is also prone to flooding and cyclones, exacerbated by climate change. Yet, this flood caught residents by surprise, and they blame Indian officials.
Numerous residents in Feni, located near the India border, accuse New Delhi of releasing water from the Dumbur dam in Tripura without warning. "They opened the gate, but no information was given," said Shoriful Islam, a volunteer. India denies the deliberate release, citing excessive rainfall, but acknowledges a power outage and communication breakdown that prevented them from issuing the usual warning.
"India used a water weapon," Islam alleges. "India is taking revenge for destroying the last government." Volunteer Abdus Salam has been unable to contact 12 family members stranded in a rural area. "I don't know if they're alive," he says, appealing for international aid.
Nearly 5 million people are affected by the floods in Bangladesh, with at least 18 fatalities. Neighboring India has also reported casualties and evacuations. Anger is rising among flood victims over the source of the flooding, with some believing politics played a role.
India's high commissioner to Bangladesh claims an "automatic release" occurred due to high water levels, while others suggest India sought retaliation for the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India denies any involvement, stating that flooding is primarily caused by water flowing from large catchment areas.
Rescue operations face logistical challenges, with limited access to boats and downed roads. Diplomats on both sides spar, while rescue teams work tirelessly to evacuate the stranded. Families cling to rooftops, lacking water, food, and medical attention.
One volunteer navigates through dense trees and marshes to rescue a mother and her sick newborn. Another man, working in Qatar, returned home to rescue his mother but was unable to reach her remote location. Instead, he helped evacuate relatives, who expressed gratitude for their safety.
As darkness falls, rescue efforts continue into the night. Feni residents hope for safety and sustenance until aid arrives or the floodwaters recede.