As hailstones the size of golf balls struck French villages, forcing residents to assess damaged vehicles and vineyards, a far more devastating climate catastrophe unfolded in Bangladesh. It displaced residents of the Cox's Bazar refugee settlement and killed at least 53 people.
In Bangladesh, heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the monsoon have claimed at least 53 lives. This reveals the brutal human cost of a climate crisis disproportionately impacting the Global South.
One of the worst-affected areas was the Cox's Bazar refugee settlement. Residents were evacuated amidst the deluge, highlighting the acute vulnerability of displaced populations to extreme weather events.
The capital, Dhaka, and its surrounding areas have endured over a week of continuous rain. This prompted severe warnings for widespread flooding and dangerous landslides.
Overall, about a million people have been affected by the relentless downpours. Thousands now live in precarious government shelters, struggling with knee-deep flooding. This has disrupted travel and slowed emergency service response times.
The Chattogram district recorded an unprecedented 412.3mm of rain in just 24 hours. This marked the highest single-day July rainfall in the past 42 years, a stark indicator of escalating climate volatility.
A devastating landslide, triggered by the relentless downpours, covered a school in mud and debris last week. It killed several schoolgirls and their teacher. This tragic loss underscores the immediate threat to life.
Bangladesh, a low-lying country crisscrossed by multiple rivers, is inherently prone to monsoon flooding. Further intense downpours and prolonged rainfall are forecast. These bring continued risks of flash flooding and landslides to an already overwhelmed population.
Climate Apartheid's Unequal Burden
Meanwhile, across parts of Europe, thunderstorms brought their own brand of disruption. Hailstones ranging between 5cm and 7cm in diameter were reported in south-east France on Wednesday. This occurred around the towns of Aubenas, Vals-les-Bains, and Lalevade-d'Ardèche.
These large balls of hail caused significant property damage. They impacted vehicle windscreens and several buildings, alongside valuable vineyards. Streets became visibly covered with a thick layer of ice.
Torrential rainfall and strong winds also led to localised flooding in France and Poland. This was particularly evident in the city of Wrocław, south-west Poland, where urban infrastructure struggled to cope.
In Wrocław, roads and tram tracks were closed due to the inundation. Strong winds blew trees onto tram cables. This further disrupted public transport and daily life for residents.
Residents in affected areas of Poland were advised to remain indoors and prepare for potential power outages. France anticipated 30-50mm of rain from the storms. Potentially more was expected in some local areas.
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