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Monday, 26 July, 2004, 09:09 GMT 10:09 UK

Dhaka floods prompt sewage fears

By Roland Buerk
BBC correspondent in Dhaka

Boy in Dhaka flood Concern is growing about the spread of disease in Bangladesh's flooded capital, Dhaka.

About 40% of the city is under water and in places the sewage system has failed, with brown and stinking water flowing through the streets.

Already thousands of people are complaining of diarrhoea.

As monsoon rains continue, millions of people in the city get their drinking water from tube wells and the fear is that many are becoming contaminated.

Makeshift shelters

The situation has got so bad that even the tap water is beginning to smell.

Family travelling towards relief centre in Dhaka

The floods have made life especially difficult for the very poorest in the city.

Slums are built on low-lying ground and most have been under water for days.

Some people have moved out to find dry land, building makeshift shelters from plastic sheeting and bamboo on the pavements in areas that are on higher ground.

In some parts of the city boats are now the only way to get about.

" The flood situation in the country is yet to deteriorate to such a level that would warrant the government to declare a state of emergency "
Disaster Management Minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf

People buying them are complaining that prices have doubled in the last few weeks.

Flood forecasters say there is no relief in sight.

The rivers in the central area of Bangladesh that includes the capital are likely to rise further in the coming days.



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Related to this story:
Flooded Dhaka set for more rain (25 Jul 04  |  South Asia )
Dhaka outskirts hit by flooding (23 Jul 04  |  South Asia )
Drought warning adds to India woe (21 Jul 04  |  South Asia )
Bangladesh battles flood chaos (20 Jul 04  |  South Asia )
In pictures: South Asia's flood battle (20 Jul 04  |  )
South Asia flood misery spreads (17 Jul 04  |  South Asia )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Bangladesh government
Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, Bangladesh
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