Torrential rains wreaked havoc in Bangladesh, causing floods and landslides that killed 256 people according to the latest reports released by the authorities on Sunday.

Flood waters are beginning to recede, leaving behind a stark image with entire settlements destroyed and crops compromised. Tens of thousands are still displaced, many being left without a life’s saving by raging waters or mudslides.

According to the authorities, almost 30 people died of waterborne diseases and thousands have been infected by same diseases due to the shortage of drinkable water and medical supplies.

An epidemic of such disease erupted after most wells were contaminated and people were forced to use water from these unsafe sources. Hospitals have been receiving hundreds of patients presenting symptoms of diarrhea or cholera daily since the downpours dropped in intensity.

The hospital in Dhaka become overcrowded because of this inrush, tents being installed to cope with the large number of people infected, health officials informed.

Thirty-eight districts in the north and east were seriously affected by incessant rainfall that marked this year’s monsoon season. Most displaced people are farmers, but the long-expected monsoon season that gives life to their crops provoked unimaginable damage and suffering.