Regional situation – rivers and Himalayas Bangladesh – annual flooding GOOD and BAD!

Bangladesh is arguably the most disaster-prone country in the world. Since independence in 1971 it has reeled under the effects of 200 disasters causing 500,000 deaths, directly affecting the lives of millions of others and causing disruption to livelihoods, economic and social development. The impact of these disasters is compounded by and has exacerbated the extremely high incidence of poverty.

Bangladesh itself – floodplain and delta.

Satellite image of Bangladesh

Light blue is agricultural land that was flooded in 2002

Year after year the annual river floods are getting bigger and more destructive and 2004 are two episodes to remember.

The 1998 flood was very severe with about 75% of the country submerged including large areas of the capital city Dhaka.