The death rate of children aged under nine due to drowning increased in Bangladesh by 8%.
In 2022, 81% of those who drowned were under the age of nine. Of them, 61% died before their fourth birthday.
A total of 1,130 people died in 886 drowning incidents in 2022.
The figure was obtained by analyzing 1,130 drowning deaths published in the media in the last 12 months, says a press release issued on Sunday.
In 2020 and 2021, the drowning death rates for those under 9 were 65% and 73% respectively.
In these two years, respectively, 807 and 1,347 deaths were reported in the media.
Society for Media and Suitable Human-communication Techniques (SoMaSHTe), a media development and communication-focused organization in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) came up with the picture by analyzing data on drowning deaths published in national and local media and news portals.
Areas with high drowning deaths
According to the media release, the highest number of 282 people drowned in the Chittagong division in 2022.
Besides, 160 people died in Rangpur Division, 149 in Dhaka, 131 in Barisal, 110 in Rajshahi, 104 in Mymensingh, 103 in Khulna, and 91 in Sylhet.
In terms of the district, the highest number of 73 people drowned in Chittagong district last year.
The next places are Panchagarh, Netrakona, Chandpur, Cox's Bazar, and Patuakhali districts. A total of 47, 47, 46, 41, and 36 people died in these districts respectively.
Age of drowning victims
According to the media release, 94% of drowning deaths in 2022 were under the age of 18.
Of them, 556 are four years old or below, 363 are 5 to 9 years old, 102 were 10-14 years old and 43 are 15-18 years old. 66 were over 18 years of age.
Time of most drowning incidents
A total of 355 people died in the morning hours of the day i.e., between morning and afternoon and 686 people died between noon and before evening. Besides, 70 people died in the evening while 19 deaths took place the night.
Months with most drowning
As per the data, the highest number of 162 deaths occurred in August. In addition, 143 deaths were reported in June while 128 deaths were reproted in May and September.