Bangladesh (LEDC case study)

Occurred from July to September

over half the country was at it's water peak

40% of Dhaka was underwater, 60% of country was underwater

70% of Bangladesh is less than 1 metre above sea level

In 2006 almost half the population lived below the poverty line

600 deaths

30 million left homeless / 140 million population

100,000 people suffered from diarrhoea from mud and raw sewage

heaviest rain in 50 years with 35cm falling in one day (13th september)

death toll rose to over 750, Dhaka airport was flooded, as well as railways and roads

bridges were destroyed (hampering relief effort)

schools and hospitals had damage costing $7 billion

the rice crop was washed away as well as vegetables, jute and sugar (which would usually be sold)

Food supplies, medicine, clothes and blankets were distributed throughout Bangladesh. Transportation was difficult as the roads were destroyed and flooded. Local communities began to rebuild their homes. There was a major threat from contaminated water

When international support began to arrive (this was difficult) the UN launched an appeal for $74 million and only recieved 20% of this by september

WaterAid aimed to provide water purification tablets and marketing campaigns to highlight the hygiene risks of flood water

Longer term

embankments were created along rivers, flood warning systems and food provision supplies have been very effective. These mean that the people can reach higher ground and temporary move their cattle as well as obtaining clean water and dried foods before they become contaminated