bangladesh, 2004 Flashcards
Why does Bangladesh experience annual flooding?
Because it is a low-lying country, mainly situated on a delta
When did these particularly bad floods occur in Bangladesh during 2004?
From July to September
How much of Dhaka was underwater by July?
40%
How much of the country was submerged by July?
60%
How many deaths were reported?
600
How much of the population were left homeless?
30 million
Where is Bangladesh?
It is located largely on the delta of the Ganges
What were some 100,000 people suffering from in Dhaka alone? Why?
They were suffering from diarrhoea because of the floodwaters had left behind mud and raw sewage in its wake
What happened as the year progressed?
Things got even worse as Bangladesh experienced its heaviest rain in 50 years, with 35 cm falling in one day on September 13
When did the death toll rise to over 750 people?
Once the airport at Dhaka and many roads and railways were flooded
Why was the relief effort slowed down?
Because many roads and railways had been flooded, along with bridges also being destroyed
What was the total cost of damage to infrastructure, including schools and hospitals?
$7 billion
What happened to the rice (the main food crop) in many badly hit rural areas?
It was washed away with other important food supplies, such as vegetables and cash crops (jute and sugar)
What were the primary responses to these floods in Bangladesh?
Food supplies, medicines, clothing and blankets were distributed
How did the floods make responses difficult?
The floods had effected the transport systems
