Concern appeals for help after Bangladesh floods

Concern has appealed for donations to help it assist flood victims in the Bangladesh region.

Monsoon downpours have killed more than 65 people and forced millions from their homes in Bangladesh and neighbouring areas of northern India and Nepal.

The flood-prone country has a network of 230 rivers many of which have burst their banks.

The Concern agency is using eight boats to conduct search and rescue missions in flooded areas and is distributing food to 11,000 affected people.

Aid workers will also be supplying pure drinking water and purification tablets to the worst-hit regions.

Concern’s overseas director Paul O’Brien said hundreds of villages have been cut off and crops have been damaged by the floods.

“People are taking shelter on roadsides and do not have drinking water, shelter, sanitation facilities, cooking facilities or access to food. Local economies have stalled, and there is no work available.”

Aid agencies believe the flooding could get worse and result in more families being forced to flee their homes.

“Concern is continuing to assess the situation across Bangladesh,” added Mr O’Brien.

In 2004, floods killed more than 700 people and 38% of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes.

Last month, landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 126 people in Chittagong in south east Bangladesh.