Flooding in Bangladesh: Natural or Man-Made? Debunking The Claims
Recent heavy monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in eastern Bangladesh, leading to claims on social media that the flooding was artificial or exacerbated by India opening dams near the border. Political tensions between the two countries have added fuel to the fire, with many blaming India for the devastating floods.
However, a fact check by DW debunked viral claims of video images showing the Dumbur Dam releasing water into Bangladesh. The actual location was the Srisailam Dam in Telangana, India, not the Dumbur Dam in Tripura. Similar accusations and water disputes exist between India and neighboring countries like Pakistan and Nepal.
Geo-location analyses and weather comparisons reveal discrepancies in claims of intentional dam openings. While some flood images circulating online are authentic, others are misleading, with old pictures falsely representing the current flooding situation in Bangladesh.
The ongoing flooding poses a grave threat to millions in a country that is highly vulnerable to climate change. As both countries grapple with the aftermath of the floods, the blame game persists, highlighting the complexity of water management in a region prone to natural disasters.
By: Rachel Baig