Floods in India and Bangladesh... At Least 15 Dead

Flooding occurred in the eastern region of Bangladesh, adjacent to northeastern India, isolating hundreds of thousands and causing at least 15 deaths, AP News reported on the 22nd (local time).

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to the report, since the 21st, floods and landslides in Tripura state in northeastern India, bordering Bangladesh, have resulted in at least 11 deaths and thousands losing their homes. In downstream Bangladesh, 4 people have also died.

The Indian Meteorological Department had earlier issued a red alert for Tripura, and as several areas including the state capital were flooded due to heavy rains, authorities closed schools at all levels. India has opened more than 300 relief camps in Tripura state.

The water pouring from the upper reaches of the river in Tripura state is also hitting eastern Bangladesh. Power outages and road disconnections have occurred in several areas, prompting rescue requests, and parts of major highways have been submerged, cutting off travel and communication between the capital Dhaka and the southeastern port city.

Bangladesh is attributing the cause of this flooding to India, claiming that India opened dams in Tripura state to release rainwater. However, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied this in a statement.