Satkhira and Khulna districts, Bangladesh
It’s been almost two months since Cyclone Amphan hit West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh. The worst affected areas in Bangladesh are Shyamnagar and Asashuni upazilas of Satkhira district, and Koyra upazila of Khulna district. At least 20 embankments collapsed due to the impact of the cyclone leading to saltwater inundation. Shrimp farms were washed away, too.
The cyclone came and went, but coastal people are unable to go back to their ‘normal’ lives. Tidal water is still flowing through the broken embankments and entering their homes. Roads are submerged. The only reliable means of transport is by boat.
Several people have fled their villages. Ill-fated ones have nowhere to go, so they are living on the broken embankments. Areas where these embankments have been repaired, villagers have managed to return home. Many people are still living in relief shelters. And the monsoon is here.
Villagers lost their livelihood and have found no work, hence no income. Unemployment is rising. Cyclone affected families are struggling to get their daily food. There is an acute shortage of drinking water as well. The COVID19 pandemic has made things worse, as relief supplies are affected. The west coast of Bangladesh is facing multiple disasters. Rafiqul Islam Montu, a Dhaka-based journalist, recently travelled to the three upazilas – Shyamnagar, Asashuni and Koyra — affected by the Cyclone Amphan and captured the displaced lives of local villagers in this photo feature.
Living with water
Living in the boat and launch terminal
Life on the embankment
Drinking water and fuel crisis
Risky embankment, for how long?
Behind the scenes students
Rafiqul Islam Montu is a Dhaka-based journalist who writes on climate change, human rights, coastal communities, land rights.
