Death toll in floods rises to 117

The death toll in the second spell of the flood in this season has risen to 117, according to the Department of Disaster Management.

Until Sunday, the flood affected over 6.1 million people of 176 Upazilas in 31 districts.

Around 300,000 flood-hit people have taken refuge in around 1,000 shelters across Bangladesh.

The disaster management department’s Director General Reaz Ahmed said 2,500 tonnes of rice and Tk 9 million in cash were distributed among the flood-stricken people in Kurhigram, one of the most affected districts, on Sunday.

He also claimed the flood situation has improved in the north of the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier in the day visited Kurhigram, and Dinajpur, where the death toll of 30 is the highest.

The flooding has damaged 280 dams, around 2,800 kilometres of roads and 123 bridges and culverts throughout the country.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said engineers were working 24/7 to improve the road conditions ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

August Flood at a glance – updated on Aug 20, 2017

Number of deaths	117
Highest number of deaths in a district	30 in Kurhigram
Affected people	6.1 million
Number of affected districts	31
Affected Upazilas	176
Number of displaced people	Around 300,000
Flood shelters opened	1,000
Damaged dams/embankments	280
Damaged roads	2,800 km
Damaged bridges	123