Fact Check: False Claims of Bangladesh Floods Being Attributed to India

Western Tripura and parts of Bangladesh have been inundated with rain in the last few days. Amidst this, Bangladesh’s social media users are blaming India for the flood situation. Users on social media are claiming, “India has released the water from the Dirbum Dam, without informing Bangladesh. Additionally, it has created artificial flood in Bangladesh, where millions of people of Bangladesh are now trapped in water.”

Multiple users have been found sharing the above claim.

Fact Check

We investigated the viral claim. During the process, we found the official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs which clarified that the viral news the factually incorrect. The statement pointed out:

• The flood in Bangladesh is primarily due to waters from these large catchments downstream of the dam.
• The Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border – over 1200 Km upstream of Bangladesh.
• Heavy rainfall has been continuing since 21 August in the whole of Tripura & adjoining districts of Bangladesh. In the event of heavy inflow, automatic releases have been observed.
• Amarpur station is part of a bilateral protocol under which India is transmitting real-time flood data to Bangladesh.
• Floods on the common rivers between India & Bangladesh are a shared problem inflicting suffering on people on both sides and require close cooperation towards resolving them.
• As two countries sharing 54 common cross-border rivers, river water cooperation is an important part of our bilateral engagement. We remain committed to resolving issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river water management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions.

Furthermore, we found media reports mentioning the floods have also caused havoc in the Tripura region, near Bangladesh borders.

Conclusion

Thus, from Fact Check it is clear that the viral claim of Bangladesh users is Misleading. Tripura and Eastern Bangladesh, both are facing heavy flood situations due to Intense rain. Opening up of Dumbur Dam Is not alone the reason for the floods.

DFRAC Analysis: Misleading