Thousands Of People Hit By Flooding In Northern Bangladesh

Young boys paddle on rafts made from banana tress, and a woman wades through the streets to collect drinking water.

In another image children sit on the roof of a building just inches above the surface of the flood water, while elsewhere desperate families are shown awaiting food from a relief agency.

Many living in the Kurigram District in the north of the country have lost their homes because of the flood, which has swamped the area after weeks of heavy rainfall.

Bangladeshi photographer Zakir Hossain Chowdhury visited the area - where heavy rainfall has seen the rivers Dharala & Brahmaputra rivers overflow - on September 7 2015.

Many Bangladeshis have complained that relief from the government or agencies hasn't reached them.

Housewife Kabita Khatun said: "We are literally living in water for five days and the tube well has also gone under water.

"We need to bring water and food from outside but that is also a big trouble because there is no boat here.

"Our problems know no bounds."

Kurigram District is home to roughly two million people, and it has been reported that at least 150,000 of them have been marooned.

A local news reporter claims four people have died in the area as a result of snake bites or sickness brought on by the disaster.

Rahman Mia, a 48-year-old man who lives in the district, said: “We are already in deep trouble because of the flood.

"It is very difficult to go somewhere in this situation. There is no boat here which adds to our woes."

Chowdhury added: "The incessant rains over the last two weeks have pounded rivers and flooded roads, villages, and shelters.

"People of the affected area are suffering seriously.

"Most of the villagers are starving due to lack of food, relief goods, and drinking water."