[🇧🇩] Smart Flood Management for Bangladesh

[Saif]

Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/we-must-reduce-our-vulnerability-flood-3684716

We must reduce our vulnerability to flood
Signs of resilience as severe flooding tests the nation

VISUAL: STAR

The ongoing flood has once again highlighted the need for taking decisive actions to reduce our vulnerability to seasonal disasters. With climate change, our internal river management problems, and unresolved external issues with India exposing the fault lines for a country otherwise known for its disaster preparedness, the time has come for Bangladesh to approach this issue with the urgency that it deserves, especially considering the huge human and economic tolls. Reports coming from the ground are quite alarming: at least 15 lives lost and 48 lakh people affected in 11 districts as of Friday afternoon. Earlier, it was reported that over 887,000 families were marooned, with about 77 upazilas under water.

The Feni and Cumilla situations remain as dire as before. In Cumilla, the collapse of an embankment on the Gumti River has left about 500,000 people stranded. People in other districts including Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur and Cox's Bazar are also facing severe challenges. Despite all that, one reason to be hopeful about the direction in which Bangladesh is going at present is the spontaneous response of people to help with the aid and rescue efforts. Besides government initiatives in collaboration with the military, coast guard, and emergency services, private platforms and student volunteers have turned up in large numbers, reflecting the nation's solidarity at this moment of crisis. They are working despite considerable hurdles, including lack of electricity and mobile network and impassable roads, with a large number of people in flood-hit districts still disconnected.

That said, we must turn our focus to what's causing the severe flooding and how to reduce our vulnerabilities. Since August 19, the country's eastern region has experienced extremely heavy rainfall for three consecutive days, the highest in 53 years. This, combined with upstream flooding and the narrowing of water drainage paths in Bangladesh, has rapidly deteriorated the situation. This was compounded by inadequate early warning systems. A critical factor in this is the lack of warning about upstream water flows from the Indian authorities, which experts say has exacerbated the situation. Effective cross-border water management and better coordination with India are essential to improve our response. The Joint River Commission and the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) have a huge role to play in this regard, which they must do.

In addition to cross-border river issues, encroachments and blockages in Bangladesh's river systems are another major concern. The estimates given by the NRCC about river encroachers show how the latter have encroached river land across the country, exacerbating the impact of flooding. Going forward, we must bring these encroachers to book and improve water flow in our rivers. A comprehensive approach to flood management is necessary. This includes restoring natural river channels, addressing encroachments, and strengthening regional cooperation and the effectiveness of relevant institutions to prevent future disasters. Given the repetitive nature of flash floods caused by upstream flows, experts have also said it is time the government approached floods not just from the perspective of river management but also that of security.​

 

[Saif]

A call for innovative adaptation to make Bangladesh flood-resilient

Will Bangladesh continue to fight against its natural landscape, or will it embrace a transformative vision of flood resilience?

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A call for innovative adaptation to make Bangladesh flood-resilient

A truck toppling over in Feni amidst the flood on August 21, 2024. PHOTO: COLLECTED

Bangladesh, a country built upon the world's largest delta, has long been defined by its relationship with water. Nestled within a landscape of rivers and floodplains, the country is no stranger to the annual cycle of monsoon floods. Yet, despite centuries of coping, these floods continue to displace thousands, destroy crops, and unravel lives. As the world grapples with climate change, the threat of even more frequent and severe flooding looms larger than ever.

In this critical moment, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads: will it continue to fight against its natural landscape, or will it embrace a transformative vision of flood resilience?

The recent mass uprising in Bangladesh has sparked new hope for a brighter future. The newly formed interim government, led by the esteemed Dr Muhammad Yunus, is filled with capable and experienced people who have committed to bringing about meaningful change. This moment presents an unparalleled opportunity for the country to reimagine its relationship with its land and the nature of settlement patterns that it demands.

Historically, flood management in Bangladesh has been dominated by civil engineering solutions: dams, embankments, and reinforced buildings. These measures, while offering short-term relief, have not provided a sustainable solution to the problem. Year after year, the nation witnesses devastating floods, with thousands of people displaced and vast swaths of agricultural land rendered unusable. The reliance on traditional engineering solutions has proven inadequate in the face of a problem as complex and pervasive as flooding.

To understand the path forward, it is crucial to recognise the uniqueness of Bangladesh's landscape. As a floodplain delta, the country is intrinsically linked to water. The rivers that crisscross the land are both a source of life and a constant threat. The traditional approach of building barriers to keep water out has proven futile, as it disrupts the natural flow of water and exacerbates the problem. Instead, Bangladesh must embrace its identity as a floodplain and develop settlement patterns that are in harmony with this reality.

One of the most promising approaches is the concept of amphibious settlements—villages and cities that can float or adapt to rising water levels. Examples of such innovations can be found in countries like the Netherlands, where floating homes and infrastructure have been successfully implemented to combat rising sea levels.

In Bangladesh, this concept can be expanded to include not just homes, but entire communities that can thrive in a flood-prone environment. Floating agriculture, a practice already in use in some parts of the country, can be scaled up to ensure food security during flood seasons. These solutions require a deep understanding of the land and a commitment to indigenous innovation.

The challenges of implementing such a vision are immense, but they are not insurmountable. What is needed is a coordinated national effort that brings together government agencies, private institutions, and local communities. Only a dedicated ministry with the authority to oversee and coordinate these efforts can achieve the necessary scale of change. This ministry would need to rethink public plot divisions, zoning, watershed management, and settlement patterns across the country. It would need to foster collaboration between civil engineers, landscape architects, urban planners, and local communities to develop solutions that are both innovative and context-specific.

In cities across Bangladesh, including the hill tracts, there is a worrying trend of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to development. Buildings and infrastructure are designed and constructed without regard for the unique characteristics of the land. The construction methods and materials need a lot of change and innovation as well. People need options for lightweight and flexible materials and processes. This indiscriminate development has led to a situation where the natural flow of water is obstructed, exacerbating the impact of floods. To reverse this trend, Bangladesh must embrace a practice of settlement that follows the natural contours of the land, rather than imposing artificial solutions that are doomed to fail.

The garment sector, one of Bangladesh's largest industries, could play a pivotal role in this transformation. By producing inflatable boats and rechargeable air pumps, the sector could ensure that every household in flood-prone areas is equipped with the tools needed to survive a flood. This simple yet effective measure could save countless lives and prevent the yearly tragedy of people being stranded and waiting for rescue. Additionally, the government must invest in safe centres that can provide shelter and resources during floods, ensuring that no one is left behind.

However, the most important step is to change the mindset of the nation. For too long, floods have been seen as a disaster to be endured rather than managed. This fatalistic attitude has held the country back from taking the bold steps needed to become truly flood-resilient. The time has come to recognise that floods are a natural part of life in Bangladesh, and that with the right approach, they can be managed in a way that minimises their impact.

The newly formed government has the opportunity to lead the way to adopt this vision, but it will require the support of the entire nation. Public awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and community engagement initiatives will be crucial in spreading the message that a flood-resilient Bangladesh is not just a dream, but a tangible goal that can be achieved through collective effort. The knowledge and tools to make this vision a reality is within reach. What is needed now is the determination to act.

Bangladesh's future lies in embracing its identity as a floodplain delta and developing innovative, landscape-driven solutions to the challenges posed by floods. The time for passive, short-term measures has passed. Now is the time for bold action, visionary leadership, and a commitment to building a flood-resilient nation that can thrive in the face of adversity.

Asif Khan is a landscape architect based in Michigan, US.​

 

[Saif]

We must stand together to help flood-affected people

Government should intensity efforts to support those most at risk

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We must stand together to help flood-affected people
Government should intensity efforts to support those most at risk

VISUAL: STAR

We're worried about the worsening flood situation in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions where vast swathes of land have been submerged over the last few days, laying bare the vulnerability of even areas previously deemed protected from large-scale flooding. The floods, covering about 12 districts, left over 36 lakh people marooned, as per a report by this daily. Moreover, at least five people died and 10 others went missing after flash floods on Thursday. These numbers are set to rise should the downpours and swelling of rivers by the onrush of water from India continue. Against this backdrop, the urgency of improved, coordinated response to ensure the safety of flood-hit communities cannot be overstated.

Among the 12 districts affected, the situation in Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram, Khagrachari, and Moulvibazar is particularly distressing. The situation in Feni—especially in Chhagalnaiya, Phulgazi, and Parshuram upazilas—has been described as unprecedented, with nearly every house inundated. This has caused a massive humanitarian crisis. The municipal towns are unrecognisable under the deluge. Roads remain impassable, and the call for speedboats and helicopters to expedite rescue efforts has gone unanswered. While the interim government is doing the best it can, ongoing aid and rescue efforts have caused frustration among local residents.

In Khagrachari, the situation has been equally troubling. Continuous rain and runoff from the hills have submerged over 100 villages across its nine sub-districts, making this the worst flood recorded since 1988. In this and other hilly districts of Chattogram, there is the added risk of landslides. Many fear that deadly landslides similar to those in 2017 may occur, with people living on the hillsides or slopes being urged to relocate to safer areas or shelters. The inadequacy of shelters and relief efforts, exacerbated by the difficulty of reaching remote areas, has emerged as another concern in flood-hit areas. Equally troubling has been the disruption in communications and power supply—with several areas entirely disconnected—further isolating the vulnerable populations.

Amid this situation, one development with the potential for a flare-up in Bangladesh-India relations has been the release of waters from an Indian dam likely intensifying flooding in Bangladesh. Although India's ministry of external affairs refuted claims of causing the flooding on our eastern borders, Bangladesh's information adviser has categorically blamed it for opening the dam without any prior warning, depriving Bangladesh of the chance to prepare accordingly. The sheer intensity of flooding in areas like Feni, Noakhali and Cumilla does lend credence to the allegation of dam-barrage opening on India's part. India's water sharing policy has long caused consternations in Bangladesh, and we hope the latest development serves as a clarion call for equitable water-sharing arrangements to be made urgently.

Experts say the situation may improve within two-three days, but until then the dual assaults of heavy rain and onrush of water from India will likely cause further damage. So we urge the government, security forces on duty, and all public representatives including student volunteers to further intensity their efforts to help the affected communities. We must all stand together to ensure that they receive the aid and support they so desperately need. Communications and power supply in the flood-hit areas must also be restored urgently.​

 

[Saif]

Dealing with flood: Chief adviser calls for utilising NGOs expertise

Interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday emphasised utilising local knowledge and NGO expertise to efficiently manage the flood situation and post-flood activities.

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Dealing with flood: Chief adviser calls for utilising NGOs expertise

Chief Adviser to the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus meets leaders from various NGOs to discuss the recent flood situation in the country. The meeting took place at the state guest house Jamuna yesterday. Photo: PIB

Interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday emphasised utilising local knowledge and NGO expertise to efficiently manage the flood situation and post-flood activities.

"NGOs are a power of Bangladesh. We need to materialise the dream of the youth. We can do that. We need to tackle the flood together in a coordinated way," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying.

Alam briefed reporters at state guesthouse Jamuna following a meeting between Prof Yunus and NGO representatives.

The meeting, which lasted about two hours, included NGOs collaborating with the government to address the ongoing flood crisis. Around 44 NGOs, including small and community-level organisations, were invited.

The press secretary said the meeting stressed the importance of coordination among all partners and discussed strategies for conducting rehabilitation and relief distribution efforts in a unified manner.

"We are impressed by how people have engaged with the same spirit we saw during the student movement," Alam quoted Prof Yunus, also noting the remarkable relief distribution efforts at TSC, Dhaka.

The discussion also touched on post-flood challenges, including restoring telecom connectivity and electricity supply. Alam highlighted the vital role NGOs have consistently played in Bangladesh's development, dating back to 1971.

Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education Rasheda K Choudhury, ActionAid Bangladesh chief Farah Kabir, and Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh were among those present. In response to a question from UNB, Asif Saleh stressed the need for mobilising international funds to address the flood situation.​

 

[Saif]

We need to build our flood forecasting and management capacity

Bangladesh must shift from depending entirely on others for critical data to building its own capacity.

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We need to build our flood forecasting and management capacity

The flooding appears to be primarily driven by extreme precipitation, not by the release of water from a reservoir with a relatively small surface area. PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

As the world grapples with the increasing effects of climate change, heavy precipitation events have become a common challenge. Bangladesh, with its vast network of rivers, its topography, and its location, is particularly vulnerable. The recent devastating floods in the country mirror a global pattern, exemplified by the catastrophic flooding in Derna in Libya, where historic rainfall led to dam failures and over 4,000 deaths. This disaster starkly illustrates the dangers posed by extreme weather and failing infrastructure.

Bangladesh receives a massive influx of water and sediment from India. The recent flooding, driven by an unusually high volume of rainfall over a short period, overwhelmed levees and caused breaches at numerous locations, leading to unprecedented flooding in the eastern districts of the country. Parts of Bangladesh recorded over 400 millimetres of rain in less than 72 hours. Heavy rainfall in India's Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam states, where the terrain accelerates water flow into Bangladesh, further worsened the situation.

India's decision to open the floodgates of the Dumboor reservoir has sparked criticism in Bangladesh, but it was a necessary step to prevent an even greater catastrophe. Had the dams failed, the disaster would have been far worse for both countries. My research team's analysis of the Derna disaster, where thousands perished, shows that the situation would have been much less severe if the dams had not failed—or if they had not existed at all—underscoring the critical need for infrastructure maintenance and taking a holistic approach to flood management.

A report in the Bangla daily Prothom Alo notes that India did not inform Bangladesh about the rising water levels in its rivers, despite a common practice of doing so twice daily. As a downstream country, Bangladesh has the right to receive timely information from India about impending disasters. Whether India failed to share this vital information or Bangladesh failed to act on it needs to be probed.

Given India's track record of heavy-handed approach to managing shared rivers with Bangladesh, it is not surprising that many in Bangladesh are blaming India for the ongoing flooding. However, the flooding appears to be primarily driven by extreme precipitation, not by the release of water from a reservoir with a relatively small surface area. Blaming others can only go so far. As Bangladesh emerges from the revolution, the nation has a unique opportunity to become self-reliant. Bangladesh needs to bolster its capacity for disaster management, guided by science, confident diplomacy, and the national interest.

The most important task now is for Bangladesh to adopt a proactive mindset in all sectors of governance, including disaster management. This involves fostering professionalism within government agencies and academic institutions, establishing dedicated research cells staffed by competent experts, and building critical capacities in data collection and analysis. The government should also seek expertise from the Bangladeshi diaspora at this crucial juncture in the country's history.

Developing local capacities for accurate and timely flood forecasting, alongside effective early warning systems, is crucial. Comprehensive flood preparedness plans, including community-based risk reduction strategies and cross-border collaboration, are equally important.

Bangladesh must shift from depending entirely on others for critical data to building its own capacity. The country has a history of overcoming adversity, and the current challenge of increasingly severe climate impacts can be met with the same determination. By focusing on developing the necessary skills, adapting technology, and designing and building resilient infrastructure, Bangladesh can better protect its people and secure its future.

Jasim Imran is professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of South Carolina. Views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect those of any organisation, institution, or entity with which he is associated.​

 

[Saif]

Flash floods: ‘We had no clue what was coming’

When Tuhin Rana heard last week that his remote village in Noakhali was being flooded, he called his parents and wife who just gave birth to a daughter and told them to stay safe.

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Flash floods: ‘We had no clue what was coming’
Says victim in remote area of Noakhali; 10 lakh still marooned

Saiful Islam and his daughter Sadia Akter cry as they meet after four days in the Lalpol area in Feni yesterday. Saiful said he could not contact his daughter as a severe flood cut all communication in the area. Photo: Reuters

When Tuhin Rana, a private company employee in Dhaka, heard last week that floodwaters were entering his remote village in Noakhali, he called his parents and wife who had just given birth and told them to stay safe.

Tuhin thought his family members, natives of the coastal region, would know how to cope with the disaster.

But on Thursday, he found their phones unreachable and read about the devastation the floods were causing.

Yesterday, Tuhin reached his home after nearly an 18-hour journey, which usual took five hours, because the roads were flooded and he had to wait for hours to find boats.

"I found my elderly parents sitting on the bed of our hut to stay dry. They had not eaten cooked food in two days. My wife and newborn were taken to a safer place by the neighbours. There is still one-feet deep water in the house," he told this correspondent.

"They are drinking unsafe water. Water in the hand pumps is not clean. I am feeling helpless. They had no idea what was coming."

Most residents of the area took shelter at Batakandi Model School and College. But they also do not have enough food, water and sanitation, locals said.

Some people set up kitchens and provided food. But they ran out of money. Due to the lack of boats in the area, barely any relief materials reach us.— Tuhin Rana, resident of Noakhali

"Some people set up kitchens and provided food. But they ran out of money. Due to the lack of boats in the area, barely any relief materials reach here."

Tuhin's family members are among millions in Noakhali, Feni, and Cumilla districts who have been suffering for the past four days.

In Noakhali, eight upazilas were still flooded. Due to a bout of downpour yesterday, the situation worsened.

In Feni, several remote upazilas remained inaccessible by road, even as waters were receding. Mobile networks have not yet been fully restored, and many areas are still without electricity.

Locals said there is now a severe shortage of drinking water and food.

Meanwhile, three new deaths -- one each in Noakhali, Cumilla, and Rangamati -- were reported yesterday, taking the toll from the floods to 21. Two people were reported missing in Moulvibazar.

People started returning to their villages in Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Khagrachhari, Chattogram, and Cox's Bazar as the flood situation was improving there.

Many huts have collapsed and thousands have lost almost all their belongings, including farm animals and stored crops.

According to the disaster management ministry, the floods marooned over 10 lakh people in 11 districts and the total number of those directly affected was over 52 lakh.

At least 73 upazilas have been severely impacted. The authorities opened 3,654 shelters, providing refuge to over 4 lakh people.

MISERABLE CONDITION

Yunus Sikder, a resident of the Bangla Bazar area in Begumganj, Noakhali, said thousands were suffering from a shortage of food.

"I spent all my savings on food and water. Now we are forced to drink dirty water," he said.

Although the water has been receding, the situation remains particularly dire in Feni and Cumilla, where relief materials have not reached many remote areas because trucks broke down on flooded roads, and there is no boat to carry them.

People stranded in Cumilla were also suffering from shortage of food and drinking water.

In some places of Feni, helicopters of the army, navy, air force, RAB, and BGB are delivering relief goods to remote areas.

The floods have caused extensive damage to fish farms and livestock, with losses estimated at Tk 411 crore, according to the government.

[Anwarul Haider from Noakhali, and Khalid Bin Nazrul from Cumilla contributed to this report.]​

 

[Saif]

Political decision of both countries needed to deal with floods

River and water management expert Dr Ainun Nishat is an emeritus professor of BRAC University. This former professor of BUET has been working on water resource development and management, river management and river governance for a long time. He spoke to Prothom Alo about the flood situation in...

en.prothomalo.com

Political decision of both countries needed to deal with floods

Ainun Nishat

River and water management expert Dr Ainun Nishat is an emeritus professor of BRAC University. This former professor of BUET has been working on water resource development and management, river management and river governance for a long time. He has also been the representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in Bangladesh. He spoke to Prothom Alo about the flood situation in the eastern part of the country and about the forecast. He has been interviewed by Iftekhar Mahmud.

Prothom Alo: Allegedly there has been severe floods from India opening the dam in Tripura.

The Dumbur dam in Indian state of Tripura is located 120km away from Feni in Bangladesh. It must be remembered that 120km of area in their country has also been submerged underwater from the dam being opened. And when the water level rises, the gate of the dam opens automatically. If the gate did not open like that, the whole dam would have collapsed and surged down towards Bangladesh. That would have created a greater danger. So we have to assess the situation keeping these in mind.

The rivers Bangladesh has on the downstream of Tripura are relatively narrow. And there are many smaller rivers in that area. Plus, it is more populated than other parts of Bangladesh. A lot of infrastructure has been constructed. As a result, the water while rushing down from the upstream quickly reached these residential areas and submerged them. And, that’s why the intensity of the flood seems higher to us.

Prothom Alo: There’s infrastructure for flood control in the haor region and in the northern parts of the country. How’s that in the eastern region, where the flood has been this time?

In Cumilla, there are dams on the upstream of Gumti river in the Bangladeshi part. These are about 500 years old and the local people had built them. The dams in the coastal and haor areas were originally used for eight months a year. Means these dams used to be constructed to cultivate crops till the arrival of the rainy season and they were cut down once there was the onrush of water in monsoon. However, I can’t recall about Gumti dam collapsing anytime in the last few decades. But, this time it broke down from the flood. It protected many areas from flooding until it collapsed.

It is right that there is a lot of criticism about the Kaptai dam. However, a vast region in Chattogram including Rangunia has been saved from being flooded because of that power project dam after all. Apart from that, there are no large-scale infrastructures to hold off floodwater in that region. The lesson we must learn from this flood is that not only in the northern or haor region, we must think about the issue of flood control in that eastern part of the country as well.

Prothom Alo: We do not receive enough information about floods from India, what we do get doesn’t enable us to make accurate and precise forecast. This was stated by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre.

Right after the independence of Bangladesh, we formed a joint rivers commission with the two countries in 1972. With that commission, discussions begun on water distribution and flood control of the 54 shared rivers between the two countries.

Back then only the information on where the waters of Ganga, Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers have crossed the danger line could be availed from India. After independence, the floods from 1987 and 1988 were the worst. Then India was asked by Bangladesh to provide information on water flow of other rivers as well.

Although we receive information about the rivers on the upstream of Sylhet, we do not receive any other information from India except the increase of water on the upstream of Feni and Cumilla. Even while I was a member of the Joint Rivers Commission, we had discussions with India many times about the information on all the shared rivers. We also invited them to visit our flood forecasting and warning centre and wished to visit them in India. Let the scientists and researchers of the both countries jointly exchange flood forecasting information together. This will be helpful to both countries in terms of flood control.

Prothom Alo: If that’s beneficial to both countries, why isn’t that happening?

Bangladesh and India have reached a consensus on the expert level about providing forecast for floodwater. Both countries are located in the same river basin and we use the same software to analyse different data including the data of water level in rivers. Plus, there’s no harm for any country rather benefit in exchanging information about the rivers. We have agreed on this at the expert level. But, whenever we go to politicians for policy decisions on this, it gets held up. Therefore, a political decision of both countries is needed in this regard.

Prothom Alo: How is it possible to have that political decision?

There are inter-state conflicts in India regarding the data of water flow in upstream and downstream rivers. West Bengal’s conflict over the hydropower plant and irrigation projects on the upstream in Sikkim has been going on for years. Besides, there is a lot of criticism regarding India’s policy on river water distribution and sharing water flow data with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. The adviser of water resources in Bangladesh has talked about getting flood forecasting data from India in advance. I agree with her spirit. Arrangements have to be made to receive more information on the basis of discussions with India.​

 

[Saif]

What made the flood so severe

The flooding is not solely due to the dam overflow

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What made the flood so severe
The flooding is not solely due to the dam overflow

A woman struggles to wade through the floods in Feni on August 24, 2024. PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

In the case of the recent flooding, the precipitation centre that caused it is in Tripura. As a result, the areas surrounding Tripura are experiencing severe floods. Brahmanbaria is situated to the south of Tripura, while Moulvibazar and Habiganj are located to the east.

This situation has led to widespread flooding across these regions. The intense precipitation in Tripura has caused several rivers to overflow. Some rivers have flowed towards the south, some to the north, and others to the southeast, creating an unusual situation.

Rivers in Bangladesh typically flow from the north to the south towards the Bay of Bengal, but that is not always the case. For example, the Gomati River flows from the eastern side of Tripura, through the Dhalai district, passing between two mountain ranges. There is a dam on the first mountain range, where water is collected to produce electricity. Such reservoirs are also used as flood control mechanisms. In the event of heavy precipitation, the dam gates can be opened slowly to release some water, but this has a limit. When the water exceeds this limit, the dam overflows, leading to flooding.

However, the flooding is not solely due to the dam overflow. For instance, the Khowai River originates in Tripura, and there is a barrage at its mouth. There is also a barrage at the origin of the Gomti River. These barrages don't hold much water, so opening or closing them does not directly cause flooding. The flooding is more connected to the opening of gates at the Teesta River, which is connected to the Ganges and the Farakka Barrage. These barrages can hold a significant amount of water, and when they are opened, the heavy flow contributes to flooding downstream.

This time, the flooding was primarily caused by excess rainfall. The army, when mobilised with proper resources and coordination from the state, can play a crucial role in managing such disasters by providing logistical support, such as speed boats and other necessary equipment. However, the current government, being newly in power, may not be fully prepared to take immediate and decisive action. Instead, it is engaging in heavy rhetoric, often adopting an aggressive stance toward India, which is not the right approach.

The situation should be handled diplomatically, with a proper understanding of the hydrological dynamics of the Ganges, Teesta, and other rivers. A well-informed strategy is essential. The government should consider ratifying the United Nations Watercourses Convention of 1997, which has been pending in Bangladesh for a long time. This could be a significant step forward. The interim government's adviser on environment and water resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has suggested taking the river sharing issue onto international platforms, but to do that, Bangladesh first needs to ratify the convention, as going to the UN without accepting the convention will not be effective. Some have alleged that the previous government did not accept the convention due to India's influence, but this government should not adopt the same stance.

As for our roles as ordinary citizens, first, we must refrain from panicking, as difficult as it may be. In situations like this, panicking can often cause further trouble. People who have their own families to look after should treat them as a first priority. Apart from that, individuals whose families are not dependent on them may engage in volunteering in the flood-affected areas, if they have a financial surplus or can collect funds for flood relief.

As for precautionary measures for future disasters, there isn't a lot to be done on an individual level. As flooding is a recurring natural event in Bangladesh, it is often difficult to avoid it completely.

In recent years, the number of young children who cannot swim has gone down significantly compared to the number from a few decades ago. Therefore, parents should take the initiative to teach their children how to swim, which is an essential life skill even without considering the floods. Being more proactive in learning how to swim, as well as teaching others, is something all of us can focus on.

On an institutional level, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, should utilise their resources to provide relief and support. The army has already assisted in rescue operations, which should inspire the relevant ministries to use their resources and use self-motivation to help in any way possible.

Even though the interim government is still in its early stages, they should guide the individual efforts by different groups of volunteers in conjecture with utilising the state apparatus. This can ensure that the flood-affected victims are getting the help that they need.

M Inamul Haque is the former director general of River Research Institute.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh needs revolutionary changes to deal with floods

That is the only way we will be able to protect the people from the recurring pain and suffering caused by floods and equip them so they can tackle the impact of climate change.

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Bangladesh needs revolutionary changes to deal with floods

Global, regional, and national drivers have all combined to create the current flood disaster in Bangladesh. The photo was taken in Burichang, Cumilla on August 23, 2024. PHOTO: NAHID MAZHAR

Much of eastern Bangladesh is under water right now. The flood-affected areas extend from Sylhet in the north through Cumilla, Feni and Noakhali to Cox's Bazar in the south. People need help and it is encouraging to see that the students and young people, together with others, have engaged themselves with the relief work.

Global, regional, and national drivers have all combined to create the current flood disaster. The global driver is embodied by climate change, one of whose effects is the increase the frequency, scope, and intensity of extreme weather events, including untimely and excessive rainfall. The main cause of the ongoing flooding is excessive rainfall in India's Tripura state as well as in Bangladesh. Climate change is also causing sea-level rise, which slows down the passage of river water to the sea, thus aggravating and prolonging flooding. In the coming days, this may play a significant role in Feni and Noakhali districts, which are close to the sea.

The regional drivers are rooted in the fact that about 90 percent of the water that flows through Bangladesh's rivers originate outside—mostly in India. Almost all the water from the torrential rain that fell in Tripura (about 330mm in just two days of August 20-21) came to Bangladesh through Gumti, Khowai, Feni, Muhuri, Manu and other rivers and added to the rainwater that fell inside Bangladesh to cause the flooding. Some water also came from the reservoir (about 60 sq-km) of the 30-metre-tall Dumbur Dam that India has constructed on the Gumti River, about 120 kilometres from the Bangladesh border. Some reports suggest that gates of this reservoir were deliberately opened to release water. The Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, however, maintained that the release was an automatic process, triggered by the reservoir's water level exceeding a certain limit. Be that as it may, there is no doubt that water, released from the reservoir, added to the volume of water that caused the flooding.

This is another example of the increasingly man-made character of flooding in Bangladesh, i.e. flooding caused or aggravated by decisions made by the operators of the dams and barrages that India has built on almost all rivers that it shares with Bangladesh. Consequently, India's river intervening structures not only reduce dry season flow in Bangladesh's rivers, but have also become a source of untimely and more severe floods. This has particularly been the case with the Teesta basin in Bangladesh, where residents have witnessed seven such floods in a recent year alone.

Yellow-coloured circles denote structures built by India on rivers shared with Bangladesh. SOURCE: COURTESY

It is well-known that the previous government failed miserably in protecting Bangladesh's right on its rivers. For political reasons, it approached India as a supplicant and allowed it to do whatever it wanted with the rivers, with little resistance offered. Yet, just as Bangladesh depends on India for river flows, India also depends on Bangladesh for easy access to its seven northeastern states. In 2013, the Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) put forward the "transit in exchange for rivers" formula, under which India would restore the natural flows of the shared rivers and, in exchange, Bangladesh would grant India transit and transshipment facilities to access its northeastern states. BAPA and BEN have also been urging the Bangladesh government to sign the 1997 UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, which forbids a country from intervening in shared rivers without the consent of other co-riparian countries. We hope that the interim government, with a renowned environmentalist in charge of the water ministry, will lose no time to sign the 1997 UN convention and use it in negotiations with India under the "transit in exchange for rivers" framework.

An inundated Feni city, on August 23, 2024. According to locals, Feni has not seen such an extent of flooding before. PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

Of course, national (domestic) drivers are the ones over which Bangladesh has the greatest control. In this regard, the current floods further vindicate the necessity of moving away from the Cordon approach towards the rivers, which Bangladesh has been following since the 1950s, to the Open approach. While the former approach strives to constrict rivers (by constructing embankments) to their channels only, the latter one allows rivers to overflow onto the floodplains during the rainy season. This allows floodplains to serve as an additional passage for river water to move to the sea and for sediment to be deposited on floodplains, raising their elevation. Under the Cordon approach, the opposite happens: the elevation of floodplains cannot increase, while sediment gets deposited on river beds, raising their level. Consequently, after some time, the riverbed reaches an elevation that is higher than that of the adjoining floodplains. The Gumti River embankment illustrates this perverse outcome. In many places of Cumilla district, the riverbed has a higher elevation. One can easily imagine the catastrophe that can result if the embankment breaches in such places—as seen when the embankment collapsed in the Burichang upazila in the early hours of yesterday, flooding several villages. About five lakh people are now marooned in the area.

Once the immediate tasks related to the relief and rehabilitation necessitated by the floods are dealt with, the interim government will have to make a clean break from the Cordon approach and make the Open approach the official policy. The mindset of the personnel in all water-related agencies has to change. Instead of a money-making business of politicians, bureaucrats, engineers, and contractors, water development has to be about the noble business of serving people. Embankments have to be gradually opened up, the obstructions on the floodplains have to be removed, and the sediment has to be used to raise the ground of villages and towns. All roads in floodplains have to be built on pillars. In short, revolutionary changes have to be brought about in the water sector of the country. That is the only way we will be able to protect the people from the recurring pain and suffering caused by floods. That is how we will be able to equip Bangladesh and its people to confront the impact of climate change.

Dr S Nazrul Islam is the founder of Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) and the initiator and vice-president of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA). He is also the former chief of development research at the United Nations and a visiting professor at the Asian Growth Research Institute (AGI) based in Japan.​

 

[Saif]

Retreating flood reveals trail of destruction

Most of the rivers that caused flash flooding over the last few days fell below their danger marks, revealing a trail of destruction along its course covering villages, cropland and highways.

www.newagebd.net

Retreating flood reveals trail of destruction
Staff Correspondent 26 August, 2024, 23:48

Students at the Dhaka University gymnasium work on Monday to send relief materials to flood-affected areas of the country. | Md Saurav

Most of the rivers that caused flash flooding over the last few days fell below their danger marks, revealing a trail of destruction along its course covering villages, cropland and highways.

While the flood situation improved in the Feni district, the districts of Noakhali and Cumilla saw their situation deteriorate, sending more people to flood shelters and leaving hundreds of thousands more stranded.

Meteorologists said that floodwater receded rather slowly on Monday caused by a persistent low over southern Bangladesh and its adjacent areas in India that brought heavy rain along the coast and the ocean to swell. The maritime ports have been asked to hoist signal number three.

Forecasters warned that some areas might witness a very slow retreat of floodwater for they lacked proper draining facilities as a flash flood of this scale was never expected.

The disaster management and relief ministry said that the flash flood so far killed 23 people in 11 districts, affecting over 57 lakh people, including over 12 lakh people stranded and 4.69 people staying in 3,834 flood shelters.

‘The flood situation deteriorated for a number of reasons in Noakhali,’ said district relief and rehabilitation officer Muhammad Zahid Hasan Khan.

Noakhali is a floodplain sitting between hills of Tripura, where extremely heavy rain occurred in the third week of the month, sending massive volumes of run-off rushing toward Bangladesh.

The furious flash flood first struck Feni, which saw the flood retreat substantially over the last two days. Feni, however, remained out of electricity and mobile network coverage until Monday.

The situation in the coastal district Noakhali worsened as water from the Gumti River started entering the district. Gumti also flooded Cumilla district, where the situation complicated as India was reportedly releasing water from the Dumboor hydroelectric project.

Floodwater swept the Muchhapur regulator in Companyganj on Monday posing a fresh threat to Noakhali, potentially increasing the threat of saltwater intrusion from the Bay of Bengal during high tide, said Zahid.

‘The main threat is the rain which is continuing rather strongly,’ said the Noakhali district relief and rehabilitation officer.

The official estimate showed that the number of flood affected people increased by about half a million between Sunday and Monday. The official death toll rose to 23 from 18.

Coastal areas experienced very heavy rain over the last two days.

On Monday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the country’s highest rainfall of 222mm in the 24 hours until 6:00pm was recorded in Jashore.

Noakhali recorded 94mm of rainfall over the same time.

In the south-west, the Khulna relief and rehabilitation office said that in the Paikgachha upazila over 40,000 people were stranded due to the intrusion of saltwater through a breach opened in May during the cyclonic storm Remal.

News agency UNB reported that 2,000 people sought refuge in flood shelters in the district.

‘The weather is expected to be better from tomorrow,’ meteorologist Bazlur Rashid told New Age, adding that a dry spell was about to set in.

New Age correspondent in Cumilla reported that at least 30 new villages were inundated after the flood breached parts of an embankment protecting Brahmanpara.

Local people passed yet another horrible day in the district, watching helplessly the continued onrush of water from the upstream.

New Age correspondent in Lakshmipur reported that the flood situation in the district worsened on Monday.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said that the Gumti was flowing 45cm above the danger mark in Cumilla at 9:00am on Monday.

The Gumti was one of the two rivers that still flooded their banks. The Kusiyara flowed 4cm above its danger mark at Amalshid.

The flood forecasting centre predicted an overall improvement in the ongoing flood situation over the next 24 hours except for the rivers in the hill basin— Sangu, Matamuhuri, Karnaphuli, Halda and other major rivers—which might increase over the next 24 hours following heavy rain upstream.

The India Meteorological Department predicted isolated heavy rainfall in Bangladesh’s upstream through the rest of the month.

Rural Electrification Department’s member Debasish Chakraborty, who is in charge of distribution, said that 6.85 lakh people remained beyond electricity supply until Monday.

In preliminary estimate in areas where floodwater receded, he said, the flash flood washed away 733 electric poles, 331 transformers, 328 insulators and 7,500 meters and tore power cable at 2,207 places.

New Age correspondent in Chattogram reported that the road communication between Dhaka and Chattogram resumed after four days while the rain link between the capital and the port city continued to remain suspended.

The flash flood left monstrous potholes at places in the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Feni.

The flood also washed away thousands of hectares of agricultural land, including aman seedbed, hundreds of fish and poultry farms, houses and other infrastructure in its course. An overall estimate of the flood-induced loss was still not available.

‘It is taking far longer than usual to travel on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway for the flood left behind giant holes in Feni and Cumilla,’ said Masum Sarker, an assistant superintendent of police of the highway police department.​

 

[Saif]

Forecasting flying rivers

The flash floods that struck the north-eastern and south-eastern districts of Bangladesh on August 20 shocked many and confused others about why those (floods) happened at all at a time when the interim government in the wake of a bloody political upheaval had just started its work. Was it to desta

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Forecasting flying rivers
SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Aug 26, 2024 22:29
Updated :
Aug 26, 2024 22:29

The flash floods that struck the north-eastern and south-eastern districts of Bangladesh on August 20 shocked many and confused others about why those (floods) happened at all at a time when the interim government in the wake of a bloody political upheaval had just started its work. Was it to destabilise the new government that the sluice gate of the Dumbnur dam on the Gumti river in the Indian state of Tripura was opened? However, the Indian authorities denied such allegation suggesting that the gates automatically opened under intense water pressure. True, there was heavy rainfall in that Indian state from August 19 to August 22. So, until there is hard evidence on what actually happened, theories and speculations will fly around. Whatever the case may be, one thing that cannot be denied is that in recent times torrential rainfall has been wreaking havoc in different parts of South Asia. Scientists hold climate change caused by human action responsible for the rise in the number and frequency of such extreme atmospheric events. In these months of the year, frequent rainfalls are not uncommon. But consider that in recent days in parts of Tripura in India and in the eastern districts of Bangladesh, the precipitation was recorded at 200 millimetres. Such high rainfalls within a short span of time may cause rivers to burst their banks or any water control structures such as dams on them. No doubt, it is a new experience for populations in this part of the world.

Of late, climate scientists are coming across frequent occurrences of new types of weather patterns. Those include atmospheric rivers. These are large stretches of water vapour in the form of a column flying as clouds in the lower part of the atmosphere. The amounts of water these flying atmospheric rivers contain can be greater than that in our biggest rivers like Padma, Meghna or Jamuna. And when they come down in the form of heavy rains, what the people experience is nothing short of Noah's deluge. The devastating flood of 2022 (between June and October) that killed more than 1700 people and destroyed properties worth around USD15 billion in Pakistan was said to have been caused by such atmospheric rivers.

Flying rivers, however, are not something new to meteorologists. But what is new is that their number and the frequency of their appearance has increased in the South Asian region. A research report on the phenomenon published in the scientific journal Nature in 2023 said that a total of 574 atmospheric rivers were created between 1951 and 2020. And over the last two decades, 80 per cent of these most severe atmospheric rivers caused floods in India. The Gangetic floodplain called Bangladesh is naturally at the receiving end when such destructive weather events take place in the upstream region. According to a BBC report, scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the University of California through a study found that between 1985 and 2020, atmospheric rivers had a hand in seven out of the ten of India's most intense monsoon floods. The study further noted that as evaporation from the Indian Ocean has seen a significant increase in recent decades, thanks to the global warming, the number and frequency of floods caused by the flying rivers have also increased proportionately.

The bad news is that the atmospheric rivers are now getting longer, wider and deeper. Usually, an atmospheric river, on average, is about 2000km long, 500km wide and about 3km thick. But we have now even 5000km long flying rivers!

And there is also nothing surprising about that. With the increase in the content of water vapour in the atmosphere, the appearance of atmospheric rivers is increasing. The only way to face this calamity is to increase regional cooperation among South Asian nations to forecast such extreme weather events.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh's disaster warning systems need reform too, says Prof Ainun Nishat

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted heavy rain in the eastern part of the country several days before the flash floods in the region. Then why wasn’t the public aware of the forecast? Water resource and climate change expert Prof Ainun Nishat said the technical jargon used in

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh's disaster warning systems need reform too, says Prof Ainun Nishat
bdnews24.com
Published :
Aug 27, 2024 12:07
Updated :
Aug 27, 2024 12:07

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted heavy rain in the eastern part of the country several days before the flash floods in the region. Then why wasn’t the public aware of the forecast?

Water resource and climate change expert Prof Ainun Nishat said the technical jargon used in Bangladesh since the colonial period is not understandable by common people and causes miscommunications.

“For example, when the Met Office says a particular river is flowing 10 cm above the danger level and it would increase by another 5 cm in the next 24 hours. What does it mean?

“And what does it mean when they say the river is flowing 2 cm below the danger level?”

The Met Office issues rain forecasts based on information about the weather, such as depressions. Prof Nishat says the rainfall recorded in the country’s Sylhet and Khagrachhari before and during the flooding is ‘unusual’.

Nishat said, “The Met Office has predicted heavy rainfall, but common people do not know what is heavy, medium or light rainfall.”

Of course, the snags in communication aren’t the only cause of the intense flooding in 11 districts.

Heavy rain and floods also hit India’s Tripura, the rivers of which are upstream of Bangladesh. Normally, the water flows through these rivers to the sea through Bangladesh. But, the intensity of the rain in such a short period of time ‘unusual’ to Prof Nishat.

Thanks to their long-standing experience in handling cyclone and flood disasters, the skills of the country’s disaster management personnel have been praised at the international level for quite some time. But the administrative instability following the government changeover has made it difficult to take advantage of those skills, coordinate, and take quick action.

As the interim government prepares a roadmap for reforms to the state after taking power, Nishat recommends long-needed reforms to the weather and flood forecasting system to deal with future disasters.

The former member of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, or JRC, joined bdnews24.com’s ‘Inside Out’ and shed light on the cause of this year's floods, the exchange of information with India, the controversy over the opening of India's dams, and the need to reform the country's forecasting system.

He said the reports or warnings from the agencies should be given in a language understandable by the common people.

“Now the forecast is given in a language understandable to only officials. I can understand what is being said in a flood, rain or cyclone forecast. But the common people do not understand it. The system needs to be changed. This is a legacy from the colonial period. We are still following the practice.”

“Warning is something that the common people can understand such as in the Caribbean Islands in Jamaica or Barbados,” he said.

The latest episode of ‘Inside Out’ was broadcast on bdnews24.com's Facebook page and YouTube channel on Monday.

SITUATION WAS ‘UNUSUAL’

At least 11 districts of the country have been severely affected by the ongoing floods, which the Bangladesh Meteorological Department describes as 'flash floods'.

Flooding in Bangladesh in August is nothing new. However, the areas affected in the country's north and southeastern parts by floods had no previous records of such flooding during this season.

On Wednesday, heavy runoff came from India's Tripura towards Feni and Cumilla. Within several hours, a vast swath of the area was submerged, leaving more than 5.2 million people affected by the floods.

Since the start of the flooding, there has been debate on Facebook claiming that the opening of the gates of Dumbur dam in India’s Tripura led to the flooding in Bangladesh. India claims that the allegation is misinformation.

Under the bilateral protocol, India is supposed to provide information to Bangladesh on the upstream water level and rainfall.

When asked whether India has provided the information, the former member of the Joint Rivers Commission said, “They [India] informed us about the river water level and rainfall condition and warned of its changing circumstances. The Met OOffice did a forecast based on that and it came out in the newspaper but we didn't bother. The government agencies didn't take note of it.”

He blamed ‘unusually’ heavy rain in the eastern part of the country and lack of embankments on the Muhuri and the Feni rivers for the deadly floods.

Shedding light on the protocol for an exchange of information between the two countries, Nishat said India has provided data on the water level of more than a dozen rivers and rainfall since the 1980s after the formation of the Joint Rivers Commission in 1972.

“India provides water level and rainfall data to our meteorological department from areas close to the border and based on that they [the BMD] issue forecasts.”

Saying that the Bangladesh Water Development Board prepares flooding forecasts based on the information on river water levels, Nishat said, “River water data is provided to the Water Development Board and based on those, they run models and project what would happen in the next three days with confidence. The agency also issues warnings for five days or seven days.”

“This is a standard practice and has been happening for the last 15 years. There is a mechanism by which the data is transmitted and we explain to them what we are doing and where we use the data.”

Remarking that the information was provided this time too, he said, “The forecast of rain is a very crucial issue because that dictates the flow that dictates the flood. So it came and it was given to the Met Department and I would like to defend the Met Office by saying that they had issued the forecast.”

“The newspapers, Bangla or English, reported the heavy rainfall forecast for the eastern side seven days before the floods. This is because of a depression formed over the Bay of Bengal.”

Nishat continued, “So it is not a man-made event but an unusual one. There is scope for improvement in the quality of information if the two countries cooperate with each other. But as of today, whatever information they are supposed to provide under the agreement that is being provided.”

Explaining why the situation is so bad, he said, “They [India] had provided the data on the water level condition of the river and rainfall according to the protocol. But the flood was heavier in Feni and Tripura’s Belonia as the Feni and the Muhuri rivers do not have any control structure.”

“The water has come down. Of course, there was flooding on the Indian side as well as the Bangladesh side. If somebody had monitored it carefully, if the government management was very careful, then they could have alerted the people.”

He said the dam along the Gomti River is aged and was unable to tackle the high pressure of water or it broke down.

Recommending measures for people’s rehabilitation and other sectors, he said: “Let the people be supported in getting resettled immediately. Immediate support will be needed in the communications sector because of the damage to the roads and culverts. A part of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway has also been damaged, along with local small roads.

“And in the agriculture sector, something must be done because the Amon seeds have been damaged. It is not possible to immediately develop the seeds, they should be brought in from the flood-free area. The government should have done it.”

The expert also advised to form a high-powered committee immediately with professionals from the universities, civil society organisations and local leaders to implement the tasks.

‘UNUSUAL’ DOWNPOURS

Nishat called this year's flooding ‘unusual’ because of rain across a vast region and the intensity of the rain in a short period.

He said, “This particular rainfall pattern is natural but unusual on two counts. Firstly, it covered the entire eastern part of Bangladesh from Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali to Khagrachhari.”

Highlighting that heavy rainfall fell on the Indian side as well, he said, “The western side of Bangladesh is flat and starting on the hilly western side. We have hills in Chattogram only. So when the rainfall falls on a hill area, the rain comes very quickly.”

“The second unusual thing that happened, we had heavy short-duration rainfall. It happens maybe once in 50-100 years. The monthly rainfall of the Gomti area is a maximum of 400-500 mm. But that amount of rain fell in just two or three days. They [India] had about 200 mm of rainfall on Saturday.”

Giving an example to illustrate this amount of rain, he said: “If Dhaka experiences 500 mm of rainfall, I can guarantee you will come to your office by boat. So you can understand the huge amount of water fell on the Indian side as they also had experienced a very heavy flood.”

‘DAM HAS TO BE OPENED’ WHEN WATER RISES

Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath dismissed the claim that India’s opening of a gate at Dumbur Dam without warning is what led to horrific flooding in Bangladesh.

“The propaganda being done about the opening of the Dumbur gate is nothing but misinformation. No gate has been opened at the Gomti Hydro Power Station,” he said.

“The maximum storage capacity of the power plant reservoir is 94 metres. When the water level rises above that level, it automatically passes through the gate. Once the water level drops, the gate closes by itself.

“As the water level exceeds the maximum holding capacity, the water is coming out through two gates at the reservoir. Through one of the gates, the water is coming out at a ratio of 50 percent. The people in the concerned area were alerted about the situation in advance through megaphone announcements,” Ratan added.

Nishat said the Dambur dam, 120 km upstream of the Gomti River, holds rainwater and generates power throughout the year.

“According to Indian newspapers, we purchase 40 kilowatts of electricity from there. It stops the flood water significantly. But if that is full, then they have to release the monsoon water.”

Pointing out that the flooding is generally reduced due to the retention of monsoon water in the dam, he said, “The dam was constructed around 35 years back. So 35 years back when Bangladesh and India negotiated about the data on flood forecasting, possibly how the reservoir is behaving was not included in the protocol.”

“But that dam holds the excess monsoon water. The result is, for the last 35 years, neither in Agartala in Tripura nor in Cumilla in Bangladesh and the river route along Gomti River experienced any flood.”

Prof Nishat says the Kaptai Dam in Bangladesh also holds the monsoon water for the past 50 years, preventing major floods in Rangunia and other areas in Chattogram. He said, “If it becomes full, then we have a problem that happened yesterday [Sunday].”

“If the water level is 108 MSL above mean sea level, then they [India] would be compelled to open the gates. And if they open the gates fully, then there will be a heavy flood in Rangunia and downstream of the area. They have opened the gates but only by six inches.”

WHY DO DAMS COLLAPSE?

A dam is built to retain water. So why do dams often collapse under the pressure of water?

Nishat said the dams require a proper structure. They need to be properly designed and constructed with proper maintenance.

“I have doubts about the design. Whether they are designed correctly, possibly the design is done more or less correctly, but construction is weak and maintenance is almost not there.”

“So yes, you can get a forecast, you can get a warning. But unless your infrastructure is in good shape, you will be in trouble.”

“However, this year’s flooding is an extreme event that may happen once in 50-100 years. If you want a higher level of protection, then the expenses would be very high.”

When asked if there is any way to improve the administrative and local government response, Nishat said, “Globally, It is said that local people should be involved and it's called local level adaptation, or LLA.

“Bangladesh has two laws on the matter approved by the parliament in 2012 and 2013. One says the government should have a water management committee at the district, Upazila, union, and even at the ward level. The other requires the government to have a disaster management committee at the district, Upazila, union and even at the ward level. They should be set up by involving the local community.”

"So disaster and water management should be governed and managed by a local level committee. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, these committees have been formed but they have not been given the authority.”

“My appeal would be – involve the local community. I am sitting in Dhaka but if there is a flood in Feni’s Chhagalnaiya, the people living in that area will suffer. You may give the warning to me sitting in Dhaka. If I come from that area, all I can do is call my relatives and just inform them.”​

 

[Saif]

What really caused the floods?

In 20 long years, I haven't found anyone who started “anti-India” protests by bringing up floods, till now.

www.thedailystar.net

What really caused the floods?

The month of August saw simultaneous heavy rain in Northeast India, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya. PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

The month of August saw simultaneous heavy rain in Northeast India, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya. Subsequently, water overflowed as the gates of hydropower plants, barrages and dams were opened. The upstream flow crossed the danger level at 14 points in seven transboundary rivers of Bangladesh. Many flood-control dams, including the one on Gomati, have collapsed. Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Khagrachhari, Habiganj, Chandpur, Cox's Bazar, Munshiganj, Sylhet, Lakshmipur, Chattogram, and Brahmanbaria have flooded. Twenty people have died, while more than five million have been affected.

This whole event has started a debate on whether the August floods are natural or politically-caused. Such a question is incorrect because all disasters have both natural and political aspects.

The main cause of the August flood is excessive rainfall in a short period. We witnessed similar floods recently in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Bandarban and even in Dubai. Climatologists maintain floods due to excess rain and meteorological droughts are impacts of climate change. Scientists have also proven that global warming is exacerbating the climate crisis and rich countries with their fossil fuel-dependent neoliberal, consumerist economies and systems are mainly responsible.

The connection between the August floods and the climate crisis is, in no way, apolitical. Floods are political irrespective of India's action of opening gates of power plants, dams, and barrages because the global politics centring the climate is a given. Besides, the unresolved river management undertakings between India and Bangladesh are also part of politics.

Also, the recent floods have given us a message, that whether it rains or not, the avenues for water to flow naturally have, over the years, decreased. As rivers and wetlands have been filled up, many canals disappeared, and floodwater, finding no space to flow, spreads all around, inundating the land.

A crisis of prediction and preparedness?

For a long time, we have been raising questions about disaster forecasting and preparedness. Lack of will, proactivity and accountability in providing forecasts and warnings have come to the fore many times. The practice of citizen forecasting—along with preparing for disasters by analysing cloud patterns, wind speed, temperature variations, constellations or various activities of flora and fauna—is now rare. The state never recognised this knowledge of the lower classes.

Only the Meteorological Department's forecasts are primarily considered now. Moreover, its information does not translate equally across the country, classes and professions. For example, "danger signal-10" does not mean the same thing in coasts, haors, hills and Barind regions. Besides, we see no early warnings or effective forecasts when haors are severely submerged by hilly run-offs or when Barind regions are scorched by severe droughts. Interestingly, the Met Office is under the defence ministry, as the state considers forecasting and warnings to be a "defence" aspect.

The connection between the August floods and the climate crisis is, in no way, apolitical. PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

Since Cyclone Sidr in 2007, forecasts relating to cyclones have been regularly broadcast. After Cyclone Aila in 2009, forecasts and disaster preparedness became more structured. Previously, disaster broadcasts were disseminated through radio, television, magazines, and loudspeakers or flag-pulling at the local level. During cyclones Bulbul, Fani, Amphan, Jawad, Roanu, Yaas, Sitrang and Midhili, online platforms and social media have also played an important role in cyclone warnings. Besides the Met Office, many independent meteorologists and organisations are providing forecast information too.

However, the tradition of disaster preparedness varies across the country. A culture of forecasting and disaster preparedness has developed relatively well in the coasts—not in all the 19 coastal districts, but predominantly in the Satkhira-Khulna region. In the Northeast's haors, especially in Sunamganj, Kishoreganj and Netrakona, people only prepare for disasters to harvest paddy in Boro season. In the north, the people of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari or Gaibandha have many advance flood-preparation practices. Haors face disaster risks in March-April, coastal areas in May-June and November, and other parts of the country in monsoon. But floods in August are a new phenomenon, at least according to the elders of Feni, Noakhali, Khagrachhari and Cumilla.

So, was there no prediction or advance warning for the current flood? There was, both before and after the July uprising. At the beginning of August, the Meteorological Department forecasted short-term floods in north, north-central and southeast regions. It pointed to heavy monsoon rains as the cause. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of Water Development Board, the waters of seven transboundary rivers were flowing above the danger level. Even the outgoing head of state, at the beginning of July, relayed the possibility of floods. The South Asian Climate Outlook Forum predicted them way back in April.

Even after so many predictions, why weren't our preparations strong enough? The present government had virtually no time to prepare in advance, as many things happened at incredible speed after the uprising. At the same time, India delayed in giving comprehensive advance warning of excessive rainfall and floods. This is a breach of previous commitments and agreements.

Transboundary river dictatorship

In 2005, when we identified the haor problem as a transboundary crisis, there wasn't a large enough movement on this issue. People in general opposed the Farakka barrage, there were expectations regarding sharing Teesta's water, and some were against the Tipaimukh dam.

I tried to understand the transboundary crisis by visiting the common river-basin towns of Bangladesh and Northeast India. Additionally, I have regularly written about the crises in downstream Bangladesh due to the construction of large dams upstream, hydropower projects, roads, bridges, deforestation, and multinational mining. In 20 long years, I haven't found anyone who started "anti-India" protests by bringing up floods, till now.

The National River Conservation Commission listed 1,008 rivers in the book Bangladesh Nod-Nodir Shonga o Shonkha, published in 2023. The Water Development Board has divided the country's rivers into 17 hydrological regions and identified 57 rivers as common transboundary rivers. Of these, 54 rivers originate in India and three in Myanmar. However, many more transboundary rivers like Mahadeo or Ranganadi are still out of the list. In almost every river, India has built dams, hydroelectric projects or structures, or blocked the flow of inter-state rivers through some development project or encroachment and pollution. This transboundary dictatorship is endangering not only downstream Bangladesh but also upstream people's lives and wildlife.

This dictatorship is contrary to international agreements and commitments on transboundary river management. The Bangladesh-India Joint River Commission, formed in 1972, has not yet taken all the necessary decisions surrounding the inter-state rivers. As per the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, both India and Bangladesh are responsible for equitable and transparent management of the river. According to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), states cannot carry out activities that endanger the biodiversity of neighbouring countries. In the 38th meeting of the Joint River Commission held in 2022, it was decided that India would inform Bangladesh about floods at the right time. As we have seen, people did not have ample opportunity to take preparation for saving lives and property because the authorities concerned failed to inform them on time.

We witnessed similar floods recently in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Bandarban and even in Dubai. PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

Flood trauma and water justice

A state's one-sided, authoritarian stance on inter-state rivers inflicts severe flood-trauma on the people of other states. At the same time, water retention and control from upstream create public discontent in downstream townships. And the narrative to fight for river-democracy and water justice gains momentum.

In 2019, the High Court ruled that rivers are living entities. But both the state of Bangladesh and India's neoliberal system do not treat rivers as living entities. Both states chop up rivers, control them by force, and engage in plundering. Although Bangladeshis marched against Farakka barrage, the state of Bangladesh supported the Kaptai dam, which displaced one lakh people from their native land, submerging homesteads and farmland. Forget the upstream, the downstream is also being butchered, as Bangladesh has also imprisoned rivers through barrages, dams, encroachment, and pollution.

While there is debate over the release of excess water stored in reservoirs, such incidents are taking place on a smaller scale right inside the country. The rubber dams built on Sukh river in Thakurgaon or Khasiamara in Sunamganj disadvantages the villagers living both upstream and downstream by trapping water in dry season or releasing it in monsoon.

There are many more examples of such injustice. In 1985, Bangladesh built a dam on Feni river. In 2021, the Maitri Bridge built by India on Feni was inaugurated. Meanwhile, India also constructed the Dumboor dam on Gomati river, which is dangerous, evident by its collapse during the recent floods. All this while, in the name of sand trade, Gomati has been mutilated in Bangladesh.

All these events profess our destructive development philosophy centring rivers. Neither state has yet stood for the free flow of waterbodies. So, it is important to present this philosophy to demand water justice in joint river management. Citizens should urge that all dams and structures be removed from upstream and downstream of transboundary rivers. Water's essence is to flow from top to bottom, from upstream to downstream, without any hindrance from the powers that be.

Pavel Partha, an ecology and biodiversity conservation researcher, is director at Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK).​

 

[Saif]

Together, they work tirelessly to repair a dyke

A breach in the Manu River embankment in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila has led to widespread flooding, submerging over 35 villages and causing significant damage to crop fields, houses, and roads.

www.thedailystar.net

Together, they work tirelessly to repair a dyke
A breach in the embankment has flooded over 35 villages in Sylhet

A breach in the Manu River embankment in Moulvibazar's Kulaura upazila has led to widespread flooding, submerging over 35 villages and causing significant damage to crop fields, houses, and roads.

The breach, which occurred on August 20, has left the region reeling as floodwaters continue to inundate the area.

The damage was particularly severe in the villages of Belartal, Alinagar, and Dhalia, where sections of the embankment gave way due to persistent rainfall and water flow from across the border.

Local residents and officials have pointed fingers at the Bangladesh Water Development Board, accusing it of using substandard materials in constructing the embankment, leading to its collapse.

Despite these challenges, the story has taken a hopeful turn as hundreds of local residents, students, and social organisations have come together to repair the damaged embankment themselves.

"The Manu river's breach has devastated our community, but we're not waiting for government aid. We've taken matters into our own hands," said Umar Ali, a student involved in the repairs.

Ali and other local youths were among the first to respond, quickly filling the breach with sandbags.

Soon after, they were joined by former UP member Abbas Ali, social activist Dr Monirul Islam Sohag, and other villagers.

The repair effort, which began on the night of August 22, has become a community-wide endeavour.

Men, women, and children have been working side by side, filling sacks with soil and stacking them to rebuild the embankment.

The scene is one of determination and unity, with villagers refusing to let the floodwaters defeat them.

"We've been working since dawn, every day, to protect our homes and crops," said Dr Sohag, who also contributed Tk 1 lakh to support the effort.

"Many of the embankments in this area are unstable, and we're doing everything we can to safeguard our land," he added.

Local youth Yasin Ali voiced frustration over unfulfilled promises by public representatives to build a permanent embankment, but he praised the community's spirit.

"The people here are incredible. They've come together to do what needs to be done. It's inspiring to see," said Yasin.

Abbas Ali echoed these sentiments, noting that while the situation is dire, the collective effort has brought the community closer together.

"We've been working at great personal risk, but it's worth it to protect our neighbours and our homes," he said.​

 

[Saif]

United in Crisis: People’s resilient response to devastating floods

The ongoing floods in Bangladesh have left many rural communities devastated. Children and women are among the most vulnerable in this crisis. Every time a natural calamity strikes, we triumph through our resilient life forces. People from all walks of life rise to the occasion and stand beside...

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United in Crisis: People’s resilient response to devastating floods

The ongoing floods in Bangladesh have left many rural communities devastated. Children and women are among the most vulnerable in this crisis. Every time a natural calamity strikes, we triumph through our resilient life forces. People from all walks of life rise to the occasion and stand beside our fellow people who are in distress. All our small efforts from general individuals and charity organisations add up to building a substantial relief operation that complements efforts by the government.

Faiza Ahmed, Creative head of Manas and Shanchayita, is raising funds to provide essential items like food, powdered milk, vitamin C, supplements, clothing, mosquito nets, bedsheets, toys, and blankets for young victims. There are many such general people like her, who are trying to collect contributions, no matter how small, to make a significant difference in a child's life during this difficult time.

The Rizq Project, is another such effort, helping people in the worst-affected areas in Parshuram, Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, and Chagalnaiya, by working with local volunteers involved in rescue and food relief operations. Also, in Mirsharai, where volunteers from neighbouring Sitakunda are helping out. Soup kitchens, catering to people who have sought shelter on higher grounds, are a very important part of the relief programme and The Rizq Project has mobilised funds to support ongoing relief efforts by the SAJIDA Foundation in Dhaka and Ghashful bd in Chattogram.

"Geology and earth sciences are my passions, so, naturally, I'm very inclined towards worldwide weather-related phenomena. The night before the waters from upstream started descending and engulfing the flat lands of Bangladesh, I was monitoring the rain using Bing Maps, a free app that anyone can install. So, my question is, if a novice can forecast, where were our concerned personnel in charge of this?" says Shafin Ahmed of The Rizq Project, adding that using social media platforms was most effective in quickly organising funds.

SAJIDA Foundation is providing emergency relief to thousands of families affected, prioritising the safety of the elderly, pregnant women, and children, and transporting them to safe, dry locations.

The Azimur Rokia Rahman Trust and Community Resource Development Centre (CRDC), in collaboration with multiple volunteering teams and individuals who have generously contributed to the relief efforts, have been able to support the 5,000 families in remote areas of Baghaichari Upazilla in Rangamati district. The Bangladesh Marma Students Council-BMSC, Rangamati branch is volunteering to deliver essential supplies like food, clothes, and sanitary napkins to this severely flood-affected area. However, it takes around four to five hours to reach the destination by boat.

There are many livestock animals stranded in the flood waters. The Animal Welfare Team of Dhaka University is requesting the rescue operation team to look out for these unfortunate domestic animals. Their request on their official Facebook page to collect donations for animals, generated around Tk 78,304 and counting to buy fodder for cows, goats, poultry feed, as well as cat and dog food.

In a rare gesture, The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has been instructed to supply free diesel to keep network towers operational in flood-affected areas in Feni, according to a press release, reported in The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

Why did India open the Dumbur Dam?

Due to excessive precipitation, India finally opened the Dam of Dumbur hydroelectric project on Tripura's Gumti River after 31 years. Most people claimed this was the cause of Bangladesh's severe flooding. Severe flooding occurred in Feni as a result of floodwaters entering from upstream due to the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Why did India open the Dumbur Dam?
Jarin Tasnim Ohi
Published :
Aug 27, 2024 14:37
Updated :
Aug 27, 2024 14:37

Due to excessive precipitation, India finally opened the Dam of Dumbur hydroelectric project on Tripura's Gumti River after 31 years. Most people claimed this was the cause of Bangladesh's severe flooding. Severe flooding occurred in Feni as a result of floodwaters entering from upstream due to the heavy rainfall. Severe flooding occurred in Bangladesh's northeast just two months ago, and it is currently happening in the southeast.

The distinction between embankments and dams is frequently unclear to the general public. In order to store water, dams are built across rivers, and barriers are built to prevent overflow.

We also have a dam in Chittagong across Kaptai that is similar to the Dumbur dam. When the monsoon arrives, water is poured into the dams, and the more water that is retained, the more energy is generated.

Because this dam prevents flooding and produces hydropower, Cumilla has not experienced any flooding in about 30 years. As a result, there were no floods in the downstream regions of Tripura and Cumilla for a while. A large portion of Feni, Noakhali, Cumilla, Habiganj, and Moulavibazar, as well as some regions of Brahmanbaria and Chattogram, have been drowned underwater due to the flood.

As per reports, more than three million people are left stuck in eight districts that have experienced flooding, with Feni and Noakhali being the districts that have been most affected.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied that the floods in Bangladesh were brought on by the discharge of water from an Indian dam on the Gumti River in Tripura, stating in a national newspaper that "That has not caused the flood situation in Eastern Bangladesh."

Tripura-based media outlets Borak Times and Tripura Times reported that the authorities reopened the sluice gates of Dumbur Reservoir after nearly 31 years. Local officials claimed that the reason the sluice gate was opened earlier was because they were concerned about the worst-case scenario in the event that the dam collapsed.

Experts assert that because the dam is located in the Gomti river basin, floods cannot occur in the Feni, Noakhali, or Chittagong hill regions. The naturally occurring depression in the Bay of Bengal is what caused the 300 mm of downpours that fell on Tripura.

India claims that Bangladesh nearly obtains 40MW of power from this system through a low-lying, power-generating dam that is about 30 meters high.

Since Tripura and the surrounding regions of Bangladesh have been experiencing days-long heavy rain, automated releases have been seen in case of an overflow.

The three upazilas in the north of Feni, Phulgazi, Parashuram, and Chagalnaya, have their streets and homes swamped in water. Sadar Upazila, Sonagazi, too, had numerous flooded villages.

The water levels in the rivers Muhuri, Kahua, and Ceylonia are 100 cm above the border. The local government and a number of volunteer groups have already started providing flood victims with relief aid and financial assistance.​

 

[Saif]

Floods upend lives of thousands

The extent of devastation from the floods is becoming visible as the waters are receding.

www.thedailystar.net

Floods upend lives of thousands
Extent of damage getting clear as water starts receding in many areas

Standing in floodwaters, Hosne Ara Begum, 60, hangs wet clothes out to dry in Gopal union under Feni’s Chhagalnaiya upazila. Just like many of her neighbours, she returned home yesterday after a week as the flood water was receding. Photo: Rajib Raihan

The extent of the devastation from the floods is becoming visible as the waters are receding.

Thousands of homes have been washed away and many small businesses are destroyed.

Mohammad Mostafa, 66, a resident of Chhagalnaiya, Feni, said his paddy field on two and a half acres and stored rice were ruined.

"I have my three cows with me on the street. They are hungry too. I'm borrowing money to buy fodder for the cows."— Abul Kalam, a farmer in Lakshmipur
"I don't know what we will eat when the relief effort stops," he said.

In Chhagalnaiya, hundreds of locals were running after trucks carrying relief materials yesterday.

Officials said around 80 percent of the upazila was inundated.

Due to heavy rain, the level of water increased in eight upazilas of Noakhali yesterday, reports our correspondent there.

In Lakshmipur, officials said 90 percent of the district was still flooded and over 8 lakh people were marooned.

Families, including the elderly, women and children, have been living on the sides of roads in the district.

Abul Kalam, a 62-year-old farmer of Char Kelakopa area, said he had been sleeping on a plastic sheet under the open sky for a week. There was three-feet-deep water in his hut.

"Never in my life have I seen a flood lasting this long," he said.

Around 200 others were seen in similar conditions in the area.

"I have my three cows with me. They are hungry too. We are surviving on people's handouts," he said.

In Cumilla, the level of floodwater is falling along the Gumti river.

Abdul Latif, superintendent engineer at Cumilla East Water Development Board, said the river is flowing 22cm below the danger level. But as the embankment is broken, villages are still getting flooded in Burichang and Brahmmanpara upazilas.

The disaster management ministry announced that the flood situation will improve soon.

Water levels in all rivers are falling, and heavy rain is not likely, Additional Secretary KM Ali Reza told a press briefing.

Over 58 lakh people in 11 districts were affected by the floods. The disaster has so far claimed 31 lives.

Twelve people drowned in Cumilla, six in Noakhali, two in Feni, five in Chattogram, three in Cox's Bazar, and one each in Khagrachhari, Brahmanbaria, and Lakshmipur. Two people remain missing in Moulvibazar.

The government has opened 4,003 shelters, providing refuge to over 5.4 lakh people.​

 

[Saif]

Post-flood recovery will be challenging

Flood leaves victims with a whole new set of problems

www.thedailystar.net

Post-flood recovery will be challenging
Flood leaves victims with a whole new set of problems

VISUAL: STAR

As floodwaters slowly begin to recede, a grim reality is emerging across the 73 upazilas of 11 districts that have been affected over the last 10 days or so. The flood has left behind a vast trail of destruction—broken homes, crumbling roads, collapsed bridges, toppled electric poles, public facilities lying in ruins. The scars of the disaster are evident everywhere. Many have returned to their homes, or what's left of them, while others, whose villages are still under water, remain in the shelters. An uncertain future awaits them all. The thought of rebuilding their lives from the ground up can be daunting, yet this is what they must prepare for.

According to an estimate, at least 52 people have died in the flood. The human toll, tragic as it is, is just one component of the widespread devastation caused by it as survivors now must focus on the painful process of recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction, with little help guaranteed. Many have lost their homes, livestock, and other belongings, and will need financial and institutional support to get back on their feet. A big part of the recovery also involves regaining livelihoods, especially for farmers, fishers, and other small earners. The government and private donors must ensure steady provision of not just food and clothes but also cash support, at least until some recovery is achieved. Another focus area is their health needs. Many in flood-affected areas are suffering from waterborne diseases including diarrhoea, skin infections, cold-fever, etc. So, ensuring adequate medical care is vital.

Unfortunately, this is proving to be difficult because of the flooding of many health facilities, including the 250-bed Feni General Hospital, that left them severely compromised. The ministry of disaster management and relief has reportedly deployed 619 medical teams across 11 districts. But ensuring the full resumption of local health complexes is crucial for uninterrupted care. There are many other areas of rebuilding and reconstruction that the government also needs to focus on urgently. While we are yet to know the full extent of the damage caused by the flood, initial estimates are quite alarming: 6,542 kilometres of roads damaged, and 1,066 bridges and culverts ruined. Highways in affected regions are in no better shape. Many utility structures have been destroyed. There has been widespread littering, with piles of garbage seen in many areas.

All these issues will require prompt and proper interventions. We are told that rescue and relief activities have been hampered because of coordination problems, despite an overwhelming response from people to support flood-hit communities. This has been exacerbated by the ongoing administrative chaos caused by transfers and other issues. The absence of upazila chairmen and other public representatives is also causing problems and will likely continue to do so for some more time. This is all the more reason why the government must double down on ongoing efforts, ensuring full cooperation of all relevant state agencies and officials, so that flood-affected communities have an easier go of it going forward. It must repair and resume all public facilities without delay, and must help the affected in every way it can.​

 

[Saif]

Flood: Death toll climbs to 52, over 5.4 million people affected

The death toll from the recent flood in 11 districts has climbed to 52 with 21 more deaths reported in Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali and Moulvibazar districts till Thursday, according to the report of Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.

en.prothomalo.com

Flood: Death toll climbs to 52, over 5.4 million people affected
UNBDhaka
Published: 29 Aug 2024, 16: 16

File Photo UNB file photo

The death toll from the recent flood in 11 districts has climbed to 52 with 21 more deaths reported in Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali and Moulvibazar districts till Thursday, according to the report of Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.

Among the deceased, 14 people died in Cumilla, six in Chattogram, 17 in Feni, eight in Noakhali, three in Cox’s Bazar and one each in Brahmanbaria, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar and Lakshmipur districts respectively.

Besides, a total of 1,072,579 families have been stranded in 68 upazilas of 11 flood-hit districts--Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur and Cox’s Bazar.

Moreover, as many as 5,480,463 people have been affected in 492 municipalities or unions of the 11 districts. One people still remain missing in Moulvibazar district.

Meanwhile, at least 502,501 people have taken shelter in 3,403 shelter centres while 36,448 domestic animals were kept there, according to data from the ministry. A total of 595 medical teams are providing medical services in the flood affected areas.

So far, a sum of Tk 45.2 million (Tk 4.52 crore) has been allocated in the flood-stricken districts while 20,650 tonnes of rice, 15,000 pieces of dry foods or other foods and baby foods and fodder worth Tk 3.5 million (Tk 35 lakh) each were allocated, said the ministry.​

 

[Saif]

As floodwater recedes, diseases spread

Hospitals in Feni and Noakhali are struggling to tackle a wave of patients with floodwater receding and water-borne diseases spreading in the affected areas while the death toll from the disaster has increased to 59.

www.thedailystar.net

As floodwater recedes, diseases spread
Hospitals in Feni, Noakhali struggling to cope with flow of patients; flood death toll now 59

Sitting on a makeshift platform in front of her home, Hosne Ara cooks on a clay stove yesterday as her home is flooded in Shakchile village of Cumilla’s Monoharganj upazila. Although floodwaters have started receding in the upazila, residents in the low-laying areas are still in difficulties. Photo: Nahid Mazhar

Hospitals in Feni and Noakhali are struggling to tackle a wave of patients with floodwater receding and water-borne diseases spreading in the affected areas while the death toll from the disaster has increased to 59.

In Feni's Sonagazi Upazila Health Complex, patients were lying on the floor, balcony and staircases on Friday afternoon. The number of patients at the 50-bed government facility increased to 96 by evening.

Chhagalnaiya Upazila Health Complex, which has the same number of beds, had 126 patients on Saturday morning.

Nusrat Jahan, an 11-year-old girl from Matiganj village, had been receiving treatment at the Sonagazi Upazila Health Complex since Wednesday night.

"We took shelter in a neighbour's house as the water entered my home," her mother Laila Akhtar said.

"As there was no clean water there, the girl drank the water stored in the tank. Since then, she has been vomiting and suffering from diarrhoea," said Laila.

"The hospital was full of patients when we came here. A ward-boy managed a place with a mattress on the floor for her."

Among the patients admitted to the health complex, 80 percent from the flood-hit areas caught water-borne diseases, said Medical Officer Dr Arnab Mallick.

In Naokhali, diarrhoea is spreading rapidly among the flood-hit people.

Noakhali General Hospital's Diarrhea Ward, which can accommodate only 16 people, was treating 280 patients yesterday evening.

"We were compelled to drink floodwater as our house and tubewell were submerged for around three weeks. Now my child is suffering from diarrhoea," said Sajeda Akhter Noor of Babunagar villager in the district's Begumganj Upazila. Her four-month-old baby had been receiving treatment at the hospital since Thursday, she told The Daily Star yesterday.

Many patients alleged mismanagement at the hospital.

"I was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning. But no doctor came to visit me until now," Ayesha Akhter, 25, of Herangirpole area under Noakhali Sadar Upazila, told this newspaper on Friday evening.

The hospital's Registrar Md Emran Hossain, however, denied the allegation and said a doctor served the patients throughout the day on Friday.

As many as 519 medical teams were working in the 11 flood-hit districts, according to the disaster management and relief ministry.

The ministry said yesterday that the death toll from the floods increased by five to 59, including six women and 12 children, in nine districts while the number of people affected by the flooding in 11 districts was over 54.57 lakh.

Of the deceased, 23 people died in Feni, 14 in Cumilla, nine in Noakhlai, six in Chattogram, three in Cox's Bazar, and one each in Moulvibazar, Lakshmipur, Brahmanbaria and Khagrachhari, according to the ministry's report.

Around 7 lakh people were still marooned, the report said.

The government's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre yesterday forecast that all the major rivers of the country were flowing below the danger level.

Unicef on Friday said over 20 lakh children in eastern Bangladesh were at risk as floods swept through homes, schools and villages.

[Our correspondents from Chattogram and Noakhali contributed to the report]​

 

[Saif]

India terms CNN report on Bangladesh flood as ‘misleading’

India has said that they have seen the CNN report on the flood situation in Bangladesh, and its narrative is ‘misleading’ and suggests that India is somehow responsible for the floods...

www.newagebd.net

India terms CNN report on Bangladesh flood as ‘misleading’
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 31 August, 2024, 10:51

| File photo

India has said that they have seen the CNN report on the flood situation in Bangladesh, and its narrative is ‘misleading’ and suggests that India is somehow responsible for the floods.

‘It is factually not correct and ignores the facts mentioned in the press releases issued by the government of India clarifying the situation. They also have ignored that we have regular and timely exchange of data and critical information between the two countries through existing joint mechanisms for water resources management,’ said official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question.

During a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Jaiswal said that there were established procedures between India and Bangladesh for several years now.

The two countries have 54 rivers that they share, and this mechanism and institutional mechanisms that they have been in existence for quite some time.

‘As part of the established procedure, we have been exchanging data on a timely and regular basis with Bangladesh,’ said the spokesperson.

On the question of flood in eastern Bangladesh and floods in Tripura, he said, they had released two press releases, giving the factual position as to why they have happened.

Flooding in eastern Tripura and eastern Bangladesh happened essentially because of incessant and excessive rain.

‘And thereafter, we have explained in the two press releases exactly what the situation was. So, these mechanisms to help both countries deal with flood issues and water management issues are there,’ Jaiswal said.

He said if there were any new mechanisms that can help further in controlling or helping the sufferings of the people or helping deal with its natural disasters, this is a matter that they can take forward with Bangladesh.

On the issue of visa, the spokesperson said that they were issuing visas in a limited manner for medical and emergency purposes.

‘Once the situation becomes normal, law and order is restored, and then they will begin their full-fledged operations of visa,’ he said.

Jaiswal said that their high commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma had an introductory meeting with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, where he discussed several aspects of their relationship.

He also talked about how India would like to continue to work with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of people of both countries for prosperity, security, and development.

High commissioner Verma had conveyed that their commitment to taking forward the relationship in accordance with their respective national priorities.

‘He stressed on this fact. They also discussed other issues, including the safety of Hindus and minorities there,’ Jaiswal said.

The high commissioner also informed chief adviser that the flooding in eastern Bangladesh was caused due to excessive rain.

‘There are other aspects that you have highlighted. We have taken note of that, and hopefully, we will have more engagement on such issues later,’ Jaiswal said.

Responding to a question, the MEA spokesperson said that they had stated earlier that former prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina came to India at a very short notice for safety reasons. ‘We have nothing further to add on that matter.’

Jaiswal said that because of the turmoil in Bangladesh, their projects had been impacted. ‘Let me tell you that our development cooperation activities with Bangladesh are aimed at the welfare of the people of Bangladesh.’

‘You would have seen that the prime minister in his independence day speech as well had stated that India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh in its development journey,’ he added.

Jaiswal said that the work on some of the projects had stalled and had been affected because of the law and order situation I Bangladesh.

‘Once the situation stabilises, normalcy is restored, then we will talk to, we will engage in consultations with the interim government about our development initiatives and then see how best to take those forward and what sort of understanding we can reach on them,’ Jaiswal said.

On security issue, he said that security during the turmoil was a problem not just for them but for everybody. ‘You saw what happened to the Indian Cultural Centre. It was in the news all over.’

Jaiswal said the Bangladesh authorities tried their best for the security. ‘Hopefully normalcy returns soon that we can begin our engagement in the right earnest.’

India’s development projects in Bangladesh have been temporarily halted due to the current situation as many people working on various development projects there had to return.

‘Due to several reasons, these projects have been paused. Once the situation improves and law and order are restored, we will discuss with their government how to proceed further,’ Jaiswal said.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh to request upstream countries to get flood forecasting data timely: Rizwana

Bangladesh will request upstream countries like China, India, Nepal and Bhutan to provide flood forecasting data in time to mitigate the sufferings of people caused by the natural disaster, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Water Resources Ministry in Dhaka on Saturday. In this connection,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh to request upstream countries to get flood forecasting data timely: Rizwana
Published :
Aug 31, 2024 20:00
Updated :
Aug 31, 2024 20:00

Bangladesh will request upstream countries like China, India, Nepal and Bhutan to provide flood forecasting data in time to mitigate the sufferings of people caused by the natural disaster, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Water Resources Ministry in Dhaka on Saturday.

In this connection, she said the present interim government will continue regular engagements with these countries to this end, BSS reports.

"Efforts will also be taken to provide timely flood forecasts to the people in simple language," the adviser said while presiding over a review meeting of the activities of different departments under the Ministry of Water Resources at the conference room of “Pani Bhaban” in the capital.

She said public hearings would be conducted in Feni and Cumilla, the areas recently severely affected by floods, to this end and future actions will be taken on the basis of public feedback.

She, however, said that all barriers to ensure the natural flow of rivers must be removed. To this end, she directed the relevant authorities to take action against all illegal encroachments, including fisheries enclosures in the Feni River.

Laying emphasis on preventing crop damage in the Haor regions due to damage to embankments, the adviser said that approval from the Department of Environment, Department of Haor and Wetlands Development must be obtained before constructing any infrastructure in the Haor areas.

In addition, Rizwana said all pumps under the Ganges-Kobadak Irrigation Project must be activated and the extraction of groundwater in the project area must be stopped.

The meeting was attended by Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary to the Ministry of Water Resources and heads of different departments, among others.

The meeting also discussed the activities of the Joint River Commission (JRC), the flood control forecasting system of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the progress of activities in Haor areas and the rehabilitation project under the Ganges-Kobadak Irrigation Project.

The adviser stressed the importance of proper implementation of these projects for the greater national interest.​

 

[Saif]

Monsoon rains: Short-term flood may hit parts of country in Sept

At a time when the country is still recovering from last month’s devastating floods, the Met office has issued a warning about potential short-term flooding in certain northern, northeastern, and southeastern areas due to heavy monsoon rains this month.

www.thedailystar.net

Monsoon rains: Short-term flood may hit parts of country in Sept
Death toll climbs to 67; Feni hospital struggling

Photo: Rajib Raihan

At a time when the country is still recovering from last month's devastating floods, the Met office has issued a warning about potential short-term flooding in certain northern, northeastern, and southeastern areas due to heavy monsoon rains this month.

However, the overall rainfall in the country is expected to remain at typical levels in September, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

"One or two low-pressure systems may form over the Bay of Bengal, with the potential for one to develop into a monsoon depression."

September rainfall predictions indicate that Sylhet division may experience 365-450mm of rain, Chattogram 285-350mm, Rangpur 375-460mm, and Rajshahi 285-345mm. Other regions, including Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, and Mymensingh, are expected to receive between 250mm and 385mm of rainfall.

The forecast was made during yesterday's BMD's expert committee meeting on long-term weather predictions.

In August, Bangladesh experienced 46.2 percent more rainfall than usual. The national average rainfall in August is 612mm over 22 days.

The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours was recorded at 276 mm in the Maijdee Court area, Noakhali.

FLOOD DEATH TOLL RISES

A total of 67 people, including seven women and 18 children, died in the recent floods in nine districts till yesterday, the disaster management and relief ministry said in its latest release.

Of them, 26 people died in Feni, 17 in Cumilla, 11 in Noakhali, six in Chattogram, three in Cox's Bazar, and one each in Moulvibazar, Lakshmipur, Brahmanbaria, and Khagrachhari.

Besides, one person in Moulvibazar remains missing.

The situation in Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Habiganj, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Cox's Bazar districts is normal while the overall flood situation in Moulvibazar has improved.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Feni, Comilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur districts is improving.

FENI HOSPITAL AT OVERCAPACITY

The Feni District Sadar Hospital is struggling to cope with a sharp rise in patients admitted with waterborne diseases.

The 18-bed diarrhoea ward is currently at overcapacity, and as a result, patients are being treated on the hospital premises and even on the floors of the administration building, reports our correspondent.

According to hospital data, 210 patients were admitted to the ward as of last morning, far exceeding its capacity.

During a visit to the hospital, this correspondent observed staffers treating patients on the open field in front of the diarrhoea ward.

Nasima Akhtar, a resident of Feni's Lalpol area, had been at the hospital with her two-year-old daughter, Rabeya Sultana, since Saturday morning.

Due to the lack of available beds, her daughter was treated on the field.

"When I arrived, the ward was already full of patients. I had to find a mattress and settle on the field to get my daughter treated," she said.

To handle the influx of patients, many of whom came from flood-affected areas, the hospital authorities converted the sixth floor of a new building into a temporary diarrhoea ward.​

 

[Saif]

India reaffirms cooperation on flood forecasting

Indian envoy Pranay Verma assures on border security as he meets home affairs adviser

www.thedailystar.net

India reaffirms cooperation on flood forecasting
Indian envoy Pranay Verma assures on border security as he meets home affairs adviser

Photo: Collected

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma has reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Bangladesh on flood forecasting and security issues.

During a courtesy meeting with the Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat today, Verma also announced that Indian visa centres are now issuing a limited number of visas for Bangladeshi nationals, primarily for emergency medical needs and students pursuing studies abroad.
.
The meeting addressed a range of bilateral issues, including police reforms, border security, and the safety of Indian nationals in Bangladesh. Both sides agreed on the importance of reducing border killings to a minimum or zero by enhancing border security measures.

The adviser said, "Our two countries should work together on flood warning and forecasting."

In response, Verma assured Bangladesh of India's assistance with necessary data and information for flood warning and forecasting.

Jahangir Alam emphasised the need for the two countries to work closely on this issue.

The adviser also assured the high commissioner that Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh would be provided full security. He added that Indian students are welcome to continue their studies in Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Deputy High Commissioner Pawankumar Tulshidas Bade, First Secretary (Political) Gokul V K, and senior officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs.​

 

[Saif]

Govt must attend to emerging health crisis in flood-hit districts

THE suffering of people from diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases in the flood-hit districts suggests that the government is not prepared to tackle the post-disaster health crisis. As flood water has begun to recede in Noakhali and Feni, two of the worst-affected areas, the district hospitals...

www.newagebd.net

Govt must attend to emerging health crisis in flood-hit districts
03 September, 2024, 00:00

THE suffering of people from diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases in the flood-hit districts suggests that the government is not prepared to tackle the post-disaster health crisis. As flood water has begun to recede in Noakhali and Feni, two of the worst-affected areas, the district hospitals and other health facilities are struggling to attend diarrhoea patients. In Feni, a total of 122 diarrhoea patients, 90 per cent of them children, were admitted to different upazila hospitals on September 1. In addition to diarrhoea, a high number of snake bite cases are also reported. At the Noakhali General Hospital, 116 diarrhoea patients and 18 patients with snake bites were admitted on August 31. Lack of access to safe water is primarily responsible for the evolving health crisis, as half of the tube wells are damaged due to the flood. The damage to the roads has added to their suffering as nurses and patients struggle to reach health facilities. Elderly people also suffered injuries when trying to reach a shelter during the early days of the flood. In Cumilla Medical College Hospital, at least 11 patients with fractured bones and other injuries were passing days in agony with no about the whereabouts of their relatives. The prevailing health crisis in the flood-hit districts yet again points to flawed disaster response programmes that are exclusively focused on rescue, shelter and food aid.

In a media release on September 1, the disaster management ministry said over 7,05,052 people are still marooned and an additional five million are directly affected by the flood in 11 districts across the country. Flood-affected people stranded in remote localities still desperately wait for relief and medical support amid a situation of complete breakdown of the communications system. The government has been providing flood shelter and relief, but compared with the scale of devastation and magnitude of public suffering, the government relief effort so far is scanty and visibly insignificant. As the government is yet to arrange additional medical staff to attend the overflowing patients with diarrhoea in flood-hit areas, citizens are organising health camps to provide health support to the flood victims, but they are doing so without institutional support. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, all rivers of the country were flowing below the danger level, and the flood situation is likely to improve. In what follows, the government needs to attend to socio-economic impacts of flood.

It is high time the government took a comprehensive flood relief programme and addressed the emerging health crisis; if necessary, organised health camps or provided additional medical staff to attend to the flow of patients in the affected areas. In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis, the government must announce a long-term relief programme with the provision of free seed, fertiliser and food so that people could focus on rebuilding. It should also consider strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure better agency coordination and invest in weather forecast systems, especially for rapid-onset disasters such as flash floods.​

 

[Saif]

Causes of floods in Eastern BD and way forward

People in the eastern region of Bangladesh, especially in mid-southeast, have not witnessed such a terrifying flood as seen in the second half of August this year, ever since the country's independence in 1971. Consequently, due to the unexpected nature of the event, the people in this region suffe

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Causes of floods in Eastern BD and way forward
Helal Uddin Ahmed
Published :
Sep 02, 2024 22:48
Updated :
Sep 02, 2024 22:48

People wade through floodwater on a road in Feni on August 24 — Xinhua photo

People in the eastern region of Bangladesh, especially in mid-southeast, have not witnessed such a terrifying flood as seen in the second half of August this year, ever since the country's independence in 1971. Consequently, due to the unexpected nature of the event, the people in this region suffered a lot more than in other regions of the country, where floods are a recurring phenomenon every year. It is therefore crucial to understand and pinpoint the causes and ramifications of this sudden flash-flood in order to decide on the remedial measures and future courses of action in the coming years.

The first and foremost cause of this flash-flood is related to the topographical features of the region, as well as trans-boundary rivers flowing from India to Bangladesh. Lying on the mid north-eastern side of Bangladesh, the Tripura state of India is basically a hilly terrain, where hills rise up to a height of 3 thousand feet. Seven districts of Bangladesh - Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari - share the border with Tripura. A number of rivers enter Bangladesh after emerging from the hills of Tripura, and of the 54 recognised trans-boundary rivers (actual number is over 200) flowing into Bangladesh from India, 15 flow through the Tripura state. These are: Juri, Monu, Dhalai, Langla, Khowai, Sutang, Sonai, Haora, Bijani, Salda, Gomati, Dakatia, Silonia, Muhuri, and Feni. Among these, six flow towards the north, six to the west, and the remaining three towards the south after entering Bangladesh. It implies that the rain-water can swiftly enter Bangladesh from Tripura in no time through these rivers. And when the rain is excessive within a short period of time, then it takes the shape of flash-flood wreaking havoc in the affected areas.

Apart from Tripura, flow of river-water from the hilly Meghalaya state of India on the northern side of Sylhet-Sunamganj region also creates flash-flood in the wake of heavy downpours, as was witnessed during May-June this year. However, through whichever border point it may enter, the water that flows into Bangladesh from India is ultimately carried by the country's major rivers before being flushed out into the Bay of Bengal. The severity of floods increases when the water enters the bay slowly owing to excessive tide during full-moon (Purnima) and new-moon (Aumabasya) episodes of the lunar cycle.

Monsoon in the Tripura state of India lasts from May to September each year. The annual average rainfall in the state is slightly higher than Bangladesh. However, this average rainfall is less compared to that of the Meghalaya state. But according to available information, clouds started to explode in the Tripura state and bordering areas of Bangladesh from August 19 this year due to weather condition. Besides, cooler air from the western direction was also entering the eastern skies that exacerbated the situation.

On the other hand, the low pressure from the Bay of Bengal reached Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla districts via Cox's Bazar and Chattogram at the same time. The monsoon wind also became very strong simultaneously. Due to the combined effect of these three climatic causes, the clouds were accumulating in thick layerson the sky over the whole region. At one juncture, it gave rise to heavy downpours when it burstout or exploded in the sky, and tides of water arriving from Tripura wreaked havoc in Bangladesh territories through flash-flood. In fact, the area covered by this catastrophe extended from Tripura up to over 50 to 70 kilometres inside Cumilla and Feni districts.

Within a span of four days from 19 to 22 August, there was 435 millimetres of rain in Feni alone. In Cumilla, the amount of rain during the same period stood at 557 millimetres, and in Noakhali it was 605 millimetres, which were much higher than normal. At the same time, there were 375 millimetres of rain in Southern Tripura district of India, 350 millimetres of rain in Gomati district, and 180 millimetres in Agartala and Edinagar. These quantities were much higher than normal rainfalls in August, and resulted in the worst floods Tripura state has witnessedin three decades.

It is quite obvious from the above-mentioned facts and figures that the devastating floods inthe Bangladeshi districts bordering Tripura (Feni, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, Khagrachhari, Habiganj, and Moulvibazar) were caused by excessive water-flow from the hills of Tripura, which was reinforced by continuous heavy downpours in those districts. At the same time, high tides were observed in the Bay of Bengal due to full-moon on the night of August 19, which increased the severity and duration of floods in the Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts, as it restrained and delayed the flood-water of downstream districts from gushing into the sea.

The release of water from the upstream Dumbur dam of India also had a role in the worsening of flood situation in Bangladesh. As mentioned earlier, Gomati is one of the 15 rivers that enter Bangladesh from Tripura. It emerges from the Dumbur Lake on the north of Khagrachhari border and enters Cumilla district after flowing 120 kilometres through Tripura. After entering Bangladesh, this river flows across the northern side of Cumilla town, then rumbles through the Burichang upazila, and finally merges with the Meghna River after crossing Muradnagar, Gouripur, and Daudkandi.

The Indian government had constructed the Dumbur hydroelectric dam in 1976, some three kilometres downstream from the Dumbur Lake. It is comparatively smaller than the Kaptai Dam of Bangladesh. The height of this dam is 30 metres, production capacity is 15 megawatts, and the number of emergency gates (spillways) is three. In contrast, the Kaptai Dam has a height of 45 metres, its production capacity is 230 megawatts, and the number of emergency gates is 16. When the water level in the dam crosses the designated height, it needs to be released by opening the emergency gates. In some dams, this gate opens up automatically due to water pressure. If the excess water is not releasedby keeping the gates shutwhen the dam gets filled up, then the dam may break up and water in the reservoir may cause massive destructions by flowing downstream at ferocious speed. Therefore, releasing the extra water through emergency gates after the reservoir is full with wateris a normal procedure.

Let us now deal with the effect of the opening of two emergency gates at Dumbur Dam on the recent floods in Bangladesh. The Indian authorities have claimed that the maximum holding capacity of the Dumbur Dam is 94 metres. When the water level in the dam crossed the designated limit, the two emergency gates opened up automatically and the released water had to cross 120 kilometres across Tripura before reaching Bangladesh. There has also been a counter-claim that the two emergency gates were in fact deliberately opened by the authorities. Whatever the truth, this excess water released from the dam entered Bangladesh after flooding the Gomati River and its surrounding areas. Besides, apart from the river Gomati, water from the remaining 14 trans-boundary rivers also gushed towards Bangladesh territory at tremendous speed from the hilly terrains of Tripura. Feni district was most severely affected by this flood owing to the water flowing through the Muhuri and Feni rivers.

In the past, some agreements were signed by Bangladesh and India on sharing information about the water-levels of some trans-boundary rivers, which is used for water modelling and flood forecasting in this country. But it has been found that India did not inform Bangladesh about the opening of emergency gates at Dumbur Dam, although they should have done so as an upstream country under the provisions of relevant international agreements.

In fact, India has been unilaterally withdrawing water during the lean season by constructing numerous dams and barrages on trans-boundary rivers, which clearly violate international water laws. On the other hand, Bangladesh could not undertake the Ganges Barrage project at Pangsha of Rajbari for water management during the dry season, despite completion of its design, due to Indian opposition. If this barrage was constructed, then it could play a huge role in preventing salinity and desertification in the south-western region of the country by conserving the water of Padma River and then releasing those during the dry season.

The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 mentioned that such treaties should be signed for the remaining recognised trans-boundary rivers as well. But not a single treaty has been signed since then. Although the two countries had reached agreement on the draft of a water-sharing treaty for the Teesta River back in 2011, it has not been signed yet due to domestic politics of India. As a consequence of unilateral withdrawal of Teesta waters by India through the Gajoldoba Barrage, the Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project of Bangladesh runs out of water during the dry season, resulting in severe adverse effects on underground water and environment.

Unfortunately, Bangladesh has not yet sought legal remedies against India's unilateral withdrawals from trans-boundary rivers. For example, the country is not yet a signatory to The Water Convention or 'The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes', which was adopted in 1992 in Helsinki and has been in force since October 1996.It was meant to serve as a mechanism to strengthen national measures and international cooperation for the ecologically sound management and protection of transboundary surface waters and groundwaters. Similarly, Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (New York Convention), which came into force in 2014 after Vietnam became a signatory. If India does not agree to equitable and rights-based basin management of over 200 common rivers shared by the two countries, then Bangladesh can justifiably seek remedies under these two transnational instruments.

Against the backdrop, the interim revolutionary government of Bangladesh led by the Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus should opt for extensive water diplomacy with the neighbouring countries of South Asia including India, Bhutan, Nepal, and China. If needed, it should seek assistance from relevant international organisations including the United Nations (UN), in line with applicable international treaties, laws, and agreements on water-sharing, for establishing Bangladesh's inherent right over the waters flowing through trans-boundary rivers.

Reference: Md Ataur Rahman, "Purbanchaleyo Bonya, Karon Ebong SamnerKaronya" in the daily Prothom Alo, August 28, 2024.

Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed is a retired Additional Secretary and former Editor of Bangladesh Quarterly.

 

[Saif]

‘To Hell with Good Intentions’: Decolonising disaster management

If politically inexperienced youth can oust a tyrant prime minister, why can’t they battle with the flood that has engulfed a part of the country alone?

www.thedailystar.net

‘To Hell with Good Intentions’: Decolonising disaster management

Visual: Reesham Shahab Tirtho

I borrowed the title from Ivan Illich, from his address to the Conference on InterAmerican Student Projects (CIASP) in Cuernavaca, Mexico, on April 20, 1968. I find his remarks on the well-intended yet deeply problematic tendency of paternalism inherent in any voluntary service still relatable in the context of Bangladeshi development activities. I often go back to his remarks on how we can easily cause more harm than good with our "saviour complex" and naivety through community activities and NGO-led disaster management programmes. Despite the geographical and cultural differences, some human behaviours seem to remain the same even after so many years, and they need to be addressed critically, especially when the reality is dire and vulnerable lives are at stake.

I got involved in disaster management after the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013. Without any prior experience, I started my work by going to Savar and visiting different hospitals, talking to the survivors and the members of the missing workers, and making a database with a bunch of fellow activists. Eleven years ago, the urge to make a difference was fuelled by our youth and newfound digital access to information and resources. It took me a few iterations of reality checks and intuitive actions to learn how important it was to understand when to wait and when to act.

After a successful youth-led mass uprising against an autocratic government, it is natural that the enthusiasm to rebuild the country would intensify. Everyone wants to play a role in the process and do good. If politically inexperienced youth can oust a tyrant prime minister, why can't they battle with the flood that has engulfed a part of the country alone? As much as I appreciate this goodness of heart and well-intended involvement, I cannot help but worry about the possible mismanagement and mistreatment that could easily be avoided.

When the lockdown was imposed at the beginning of the pandemic, many garment workers lost employment. Distressed by this reality, a young friend of mine said that she wanted to do something for the women in the garment industry. She came up with the idea to distribute free menstrual cups among the women. For those who do not know, a menstrual cup is a cup-shaped silicone container that collects menstrual blood from the vagina. As it is reusable and can last many years, it has gained popularity as an environment-friendly and economical alternative to other menstrual products, like sanitary pads and tampons. However, it cannot be an emergency need for a woman struggling to make ends meet. Besides, using a menstrual cup might need some time and mental readiness to get used to. No matter how well intended the efforts are, expecting someone to be open to adapting a new habit during a disaster can seem insensitive, if not cruel.

When a friend active in the relief work of Dhaka University asked for sanitary pads to be sent to Feni, I asked him what kind they wanted. He did not seem to know much about the variation of menstrual products in the market. I had already seen people sending reusable cloth pads to flood-ridden areas. Assuming that washing and drying those pads would be another hassle or impossibility during the flood, I chose to send reusable sanitary pads with belts. Even many women did not know that belted pads existed. They asked why panties were not being sent along with the pads. I do not blame the urban women for not knowing any better—after all, they've never had to leave home in one cloth, survive in water for days, and not have the luxury of owning or getting accustomed to undergarments. However, I would hold myself accountable in such situations if I failed to ask the survivors what they need. Even though I would vouch for menstrual cups or even tampons for comfortable menstruation underwater, I must be aware of my privilege and be mindful of not depriving someone else of the choice to disagree with me.

There is a fine line between saving someone and helping them, and so is between empathy and sympathy. My organisation stopped receiving thrifted clothes long ago, after discovering that people would often donate discarded clothes that otherwise might have ended up in dump yards. Sorting and recycling these clothes during a disaster was a hassle too big for a small organisation like ours. I realised empathy started with respecting someone by treating them as an equal to ourselves, by putting ourselves in their position, trying to imagine their lived reality, and accepting our failure to live that. I worked for a small NGO for a short period. I was shocked to find out that the donor organisation would demand extremely sensitive personal information and photos of the survivors to approve the budget. While I understand the lack of trust stemming from deeply-rooted corruption in disaster management, every time I see people refusing to receive emergency aid to avoid being photographed, I feel the failure of being a human.

I have observed that the first response to any disaster from average urban and expatriate Bangladeshis is usually to send money. I am aware that money is a necessary evil, especially during an emergency crisis. However, if not managed well, it can further disrupt the system and relations. I cannot thank the students for announcing daily accounts of donations during the flood to keep transparency. I hope the energy sustains and we stay together on this long battle of recovering from the damage to human lives. In a disaster-ridden country like ours, it is easy to shift focus and financial interest for some. However, those who lost their home and dear ones would need well-intended, skilled, and adaptive volunteers to rebuild a dignified life. Though a small fraction of society might visit the flood zones merely for fun or views on social media, I have immense trust in the youth who sacrificed their lives to restore democracy in our country. I look forward to transitioning into a kinder and equitable future with them.

Trishia Nashtaran is a feminist organiser and foresight strategist.​

 

[Saif]

Rohingya refugees stand beside flood-affected people

In spite of their severe financial hardship, Rohingya refugees living at different camps of Cox’s Bazar and abroad have stood beside the flood-affected people of Bangladesh

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Rohingya refugees stand beside flood-affected people

In spite of their severe financial hardship, Rohingya refugees living at different camps of Cox's Bazar and abroad have stood beside the flood- affected people of Bangladesh.

They have been conducting relief campaigns for the flood affected people of Noakhali and Feni by raising finances from the camps and from Rohingya refugees living abroad. The effort was mainly undertaken by young people at the camps who went door to door collecting money from their own community.

Saiful Arakani, a journalist, said "When no international community came forward to help the Rohingyas when we were being persecuted and forced to flee to Bangladesh in 2017, they fed us and gave us shelter, and they are still helping us. Not only that, Bangladeshis have been helping us since 1992. When the people of the country are in crisis due to sudden floods, we cannot sit idle. We want to stand beside our Bangladeshi brothers with our full capacity."

He said they have distributed relief and cash through the non-government organisation Al Manahil Welfare Foundation, reports our Cox's Bazar staff correspondent.

Farid Uddin Bin Jamir Uddin, chief executive officer of the foundation, said the Rohingya refugees distributed relief among the 1600 flood affected families in Feni and Noakhali.

They donated food items and cash worth Tk 24 lakhs in four phases, he added.

Hafizur Rahman, a resident of Alikhali camp, said, "We have no source of income. However, we have extended humanitarian aid after seeing the suffering of flood-affected people."​

 

[Saif]

Half of Noakhali still reeling from flood

Sixty-year-old Kofil Uddin watched helplessly as floodwater crept into his home at Bhabani Jibanpur village in Noakhali’s Begumganj upazila on August 10. More than a month has passed, but the house is still under knee-deep water.

www.thedailystar.net

Half of Noakhali still reeling from flood
Clogging of canals leads to prolonged inundation

The roads and homes of Bhupatipur village under Chhoyani union in Noakhali’s Begumgunj upazila were still submerged on September 11, a month after devastation by flash floods. Around 70 percent of eight upazilas in the district have been affected by prolonged flooding. Photo: Anik Shariar

Sixty-year-old Kofil Uddin watched helplessly as floodwater crept into his home at Bhabani Jibanpur village in Noakhali's Begumganj upazila on August 10. More than a month has passed, but the house is still under knee-deep water.

Floods devastated much of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions in Bangladesh last month following a sudden surge of water from the upstream in India, coupled with heavy rainfall. Although floodwater has receded in most areas, more than half of Noakhali remains under water.

Kofil and other locals, along with officials and experts, have blamed the clogging of canals by encroachers for the prolonged floods in the district, which one of the elderly residents called unprecedented in living memory.

Md Abdullah, 70, another resident of Bhabani Jibanpur village, said he had never seen such destruction by floods in his life.

"We've been marooned by flood for one month," he said and complained that he received no relief when he stayed in the Chhoyani Girls High School for 15 days during the flood.

After the floods affected at least 21 lakh residents in the district last month, 60,000-70,000 people are still living in shelters, said Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahabubur Rahman.

As long as the educational institutions have been turned into flood shelters, the authorities are unable to resume academic activities and they have requested the local administration to move the people to other places.

The canals in the district are also filled with garbage, while fish farms and unplanned sluice gates, regulators or cross dams have blocked the natural flow of water into the Meghna river.

Besides elongated suffering of the locals by the flooding, the effects of climate change have fuelled further concerns about the possibility of saline water from the sea entering the district and getting stranded in the low-lyng areas, which will impact farming and source of fresh water.

Kofil said rain and flood water of Begumganj upazila flows through Gabua canal via Lakshmipur into the Meghna river. A sluice gate was constructed three kilometres upstream from his village around 10 years ago. "This has been an obstacle to the natural drainage system. As a result, the flood water is not rereading significantly."

Apart from Hatia, the remaining eight upazilas of Noakhali were hit by floods. Around 60 percent of these upazilas are still under water. The most affected upazilas are Begumganj, Senbagh, Chatkhil, Sonaimuri, and Sadar.

Md Salim of Baro Sardar Para of Senbagh upazila said the roads and homes of the village are still under water with all the canals in the area blocked, filled up with garbage or encroached on.

"We are requesting the government to investigate the matter and clear the canals. We do not seek any other assistance," he said.

Munshi Amir Faisal, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Noakhali, said only 2 cm of floodwater receded in the district from 6:00am to 6:00pm last Wednesday.

The water from Chatkhil, Sonaimuri, Begumganj, and Sadar upazilas falls into the Meghna river through the Rahmatkhali canal of Lakshmipur district through the Rahmatkhali regulator, according to him.

"However, the Lakshmipur part of the Rahmatkhali canal has not been excavated for a long time. Due to this, floodwater is not receding quickly. Moreover, there is a pile of garbage in every canal."

A cross dam was constructed in an area of 16 km up from Mannan Nagar to Atakpalia of sadar upazila in 1964 to save 71,000 hectares of land in Subarnachar upazila from river erosion.

But due to the construction of the dam, Subarnachar has become a higher ground than sadar upazila, obstructing the natural drainage system, Faisal said.

Abdul Awal, executive director of Noakhali Rural Development Society who is vocal about the environmental degradation, said hundreds of big ponds dug in Noakhali earlier for holding rainwater have been filled up for construction.

Noakhali and Lakshmipur had numerous small and big canals, including Noakhal, Begumganj's Wabda, and Bhulua, which were interconnected, according to him.

"Now the canals have been encroached on for fish farming. So, the path for floodwater to the sea is now blocked," Awal said.

"Today's Maijdee town itself was once a big canal named Chhagalmara. Noakhal was next to Chhagalmara. Water used to go to Lakshmipur through these canals. Noakhali had a natural drainage system in the past. Now all canals are blocked by illegal structures, plastic garbage, or other objects," he said.

He suggested using satellite imagery to find out the path of the natural flow of water.

"It is very important to identify the obstacles and then remove them on a priority basis. The sea levels continue to rise. In that case, the saline water of the sea can enter the land and stay for a long time. To end this crisis, the government needs to have a mega plan," Awal said.​

 

[PakistanProud]

Half of Noakhali still reeling from flood

Sixty-year-old Kofil Uddin watched helplessly as floodwater crept into his home at Bhabani Jibanpur village in Noakhali’s Begumganj upazila on August 10. More than a month has passed, but the house is still under knee-deep water.

www.thedailystar.net

Half of Noakhali still reeling from flood
Clogging of canals leads to prolonged inundation

View attachment 8349
The roads and homes of Bhupatipur village under Chhoyani union in Noakhali’s Begumgunj upazila were still submerged on September 11, a month after devastation by flash floods. Around 70 percent of eight upazilas in the district have been affected by prolonged flooding. Photo: Anik Shariar

Sixty-year-old Kofil Uddin watched helplessly as floodwater crept into his home at Bhabani Jibanpur village in Noakhali's Begumganj upazila on August 10. More than a month has passed, but the house is still under knee-deep water.

Floods devastated much of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions in Bangladesh last month following a sudden surge of water from the upstream in India, coupled with heavy rainfall. Although floodwater has receded in most areas, more than half of Noakhali remains under water.

Kofil and other locals, along with officials and experts, have blamed the clogging of canals by encroachers for the prolonged floods in the district, which one of the elderly residents called unprecedented in living memory.

Md Abdullah, 70, another resident of Bhabani Jibanpur village, said he had never seen such destruction by floods in his life.

"We've been marooned by flood for one month," he said and complained that he received no relief when he stayed in the Chhoyani Girls High School for 15 days during the flood.

After the floods affected at least 21 lakh residents in the district last month, 60,000-70,000 people are still living in shelters, said Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahabubur Rahman.

As long as the educational institutions have been turned into flood shelters, the authorities are unable to resume academic activities and they have requested the local administration to move the people to other places.

The canals in the district are also filled with garbage, while fish farms and unplanned sluice gates, regulators or cross dams have blocked the natural flow of water into the Meghna river.

Besides elongated suffering of the locals by the flooding, the effects of climate change have fuelled further concerns about the possibility of saline water from the sea entering the district and getting stranded in the low-lyng areas, which will impact farming and source of fresh water.

Kofil said rain and flood water of Begumganj upazila flows through Gabua canal via Lakshmipur into the Meghna river. A sluice gate was constructed three kilometres upstream from his village around 10 years ago. "This has been an obstacle to the natural drainage system. As a result, the flood water is not rereading significantly."

Apart from Hatia, the remaining eight upazilas of Noakhali were hit by floods. Around 60 percent of these upazilas are still under water. The most affected upazilas are Begumganj, Senbagh, Chatkhil, Sonaimuri, and Sadar.

Md Salim of Baro Sardar Para of Senbagh upazila said the roads and homes of the village are still under water with all the canals in the area blocked, filled up with garbage or encroached on.

"We are requesting the government to investigate the matter and clear the canals. We do not seek any other assistance," he said.

Munshi Amir Faisal, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Noakhali, said only 2 cm of floodwater receded in the district from 6:00am to 6:00pm last Wednesday.

The water from Chatkhil, Sonaimuri, Begumganj, and Sadar upazilas falls into the Meghna river through the Rahmatkhali canal of Lakshmipur district through the Rahmatkhali regulator, according to him.

"However, the Lakshmipur part of the Rahmatkhali canal has not been excavated for a long time. Due to this, floodwater is not receding quickly. Moreover, there is a pile of garbage in every canal."

A cross dam was constructed in an area of 16 km up from Mannan Nagar to Atakpalia of sadar upazila in 1964 to save 71,000 hectares of land in Subarnachar upazila from river erosion.

But due to the construction of the dam, Subarnachar has become a higher ground than sadar upazila, obstructing the natural drainage system, Faisal said.

Abdul Awal, executive director of Noakhali Rural Development Society who is vocal about the environmental degradation, said hundreds of big ponds dug in Noakhali earlier for holding rainwater have been filled up for construction.

Noakhali and Lakshmipur had numerous small and big canals, including Noakhal, Begumganj's Wabda, and Bhulua, which were interconnected, according to him.

"Now the canals have been encroached on for fish farming. So, the path for floodwater to the sea is now blocked," Awal said.

"Today's Maijdee town itself was once a big canal named Chhagalmara. Noakhal was next to Chhagalmara. Water used to go to Lakshmipur through these canals. Noakhali had a natural drainage system in the past. Now all canals are blocked by illegal structures, plastic garbage, or other objects," he said.

He suggested using satellite imagery to find out the path of the natural flow of water.

"It is very important to identify the obstacles and then remove them on a priority basis. The sea levels continue to rise. In that case, the saline water of the sea can enter the land and stay for a long time. To end this crisis, the government needs to have a mega plan," Awal said.​

I'm not too aware of the situation, do many Bangladeshis feel that India was somewhat responsible for the recent floods in Bangladesh? @Bilal9 @Saif @Mb444

 

[Saif]

I'm not too aware of the situation, do many Bangladeshis feel that India was somewhat responsible for the recent floods in Bangladesh? @Bilal9 @Saif @Mb444

Yes, many people in Bangladesh blame India for the recent devastating flood in the country. India did not even share advance flood forecasting data. We need to develop our own flood protection mechanism in the country. India is a hostile and unreliable neighbor and must not be trusted.

 

[Bilal9]

I'm not too aware of the situation, do many Bangladeshis feel that India was somewhat responsible for the recent floods in Bangladesh? @Bilal9 @Saif @Mb444

Yes - that is exactly the belief in Bangladesh, that Indian Govt. (Modi) exacted revenge for Bangladeshis ousting Indian agent Hasina.

Indian govt. has always been irresponsible about notifying Bangladeshi authorities about opening up floodgates for Indian dams upstream, and this is not simply a question of incompetence. There was deliberate intent. However we will answer this heinous act in a place and time of our own choosing.

 

[Saif]

August floods wreaked destruction of over Tk 14,000 crore

Earlier, the adviser held a meeting with 40 secretaries of all key ministries and divisions to discuss post-flood rehabilitation efforts

www.thedailystar.net

August floods wreaked destruction of over Tk 14,000 crore
Earlier, the adviser held a meeting with 40 secretaries of all key ministries and divisions to discuss post-flood rehabilitation efforts

Residents pick up the pieces after the devastating flood left behind a trail of debris and mud in the Jagatpur area of Fulgazi, Feni. The embankment that used to protect this neighbourhood from being inundated by the Muhuri has been broken in 13 places. Photo: Nahid Mazhar/Star

The sudden floods in August, which killed 74 people and injured 68 others across the country, caused a total financial loss of Tk 14,269.68 crore.

The financial loss was calculated based on the damage to agriculture, housing, roads, and overall infrastructure in 11 districts in the eastern parts of the country, including Feni -- the worst affected district.

Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Farooq-e-Azam revealed the assessment of the damage to the media at the secretariat today.

Earlier, the adviser held a meeting with 40 secretaries of all key ministries and divisions to discuss post-flood rehabilitation efforts. The cabinet secretary was also in attendance.

According to the adviser, 9,42,821 people were affected by the floods, with 45,56,111 people displaced from their homes and seeking shelter elsewhere.

The devastating floods, triggered by heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff, began on August 20 and rapidly spread across districts such as Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur, and Cox's Bazar.​

 

[Saif]

Flood damage warrants serious, sincere rehabilitation efforts

THE government has come up with details on the damage that flash flooding of the east, north-east and south-east for a fortnight beginning in the third week of August has caused. The disaster management and relief ministry has estimated the damage from the flooding to the tune of Tk 142.69...

www.newagebd.net

Flood damage warrants serious, sincere rehabilitation efforts
19 September, 2024, 00:00

THE government has come up with details on the damage that flash flooding of the east, north-east and south-east for a fortnight beginning in the third week of August has caused. The disaster management and relief ministry has estimated the damage from the flooding to the tune of Tk 142.69 billion, warranting that the government needs to put in serious efforts in rebuilding and rehabilitation. The ministry estimate says that flooding has destroyed 28,386 houses, rendering 150,000 people homeless, and damaged 319,219 houses in the 11 affected districts. The flood has washed away 423 culverts and damaged 1,097 others. Highways and roads spanning 3,684 kilometres have been destroyed; 13,782 kilometres of roads and highways have been damaged. About 10,000 kilometres of road stretches have been affected in the countryside, pointing to the vulnerability of road communications. Twenty-one educational institutions have been destroyed and 3,033 educational institutions damaged. Ninety places of worship have been swept away and 3,263 places of worship have been damaged. Flood protection embankments spanning 61 kilometres have been destroyed and 286 kilometres have been damaged. Forested land and nurseries spanning 48,520 hectares have been destroyed and 18,074 hectares damaged. The flood destroyed 45,719 tube wells and damaged 137,140 tube wells. Fish farms on 35,092 hectares of land were damaged.

The official estimate of the damage suggests that the flood has laid waste to infrastructure, housing, road communications and livelihood. It has also left people, especially along the coast, at risks of further jeopardy of high tide as large stretches of embankments have been destroyed and damaged. The damage in Cumilla has been extensive because of a sudden increase in river heights resulting from the discharge of water upstream in India, coupled with extremely heavy rainfall. In two weeks after the flood water has receded, certain flood-hit districts faced further losses because of incessant rainfall that had continued for three days. In such a situation, relief efforts, especially, of public agencies appear to have been inadequate as people cried out for food and medicines even when the flood water started receding. The government is reported to have so far received Tk 795.2 million in relief funds opened to help the flood victims, but it has distributed only Tk 50 million in food and cash aid. The government efforts in flood relief supplies and mitigation have so far been visibly poor. Now that it has an estimate of the extent of damage, it will be easy for the government to work out a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and put the plan to work in a coordinated manner. But it needs to begin shoring up the issues without delay.

The government should, in such a situation, work out a comprehensive rehabilitation plan in view of the extent of damage to put the flood victims back to normal life. Repairs of the damaged infrastructure are also important in view of the risks the victims face and the problems they face in communications. The government should also shell out the money required for the sustainable rehabilitation of the flood victims.​

 

[Saif]

Lessons from recent floods: Coordination key to the success of relief efforts

Were we able to cash the “positive emotions” of people with our experience?

www.thedailystar.net

Lessons from recent floods: Coordination key to the success of relief efforts
Were we able to cash the “positive emotions” of people with our experience?

In response to students’ call for relief donations, people from different parts of the capital rushed to Dhaka University with relief as per their capacity and abilities. PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

In every humanitarian crisis created out of natural disasters, people come forward to help those who need support for life and livelihood. This is a global trend and Bangladesh is no exception to that. Dr Hanna Zagefka and her team of researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London, have revealed that one reason that natural disasters switch on the altruism button within us is our perception that the affected populations are somehow less to blame for their circumstances. Besides, most studies show that helping others makes us happier and ultimately leads us to give more.

The sacrifice of Abu Sayed in the July-August uprising boosted people's level of empathy, especially during the flood, which occurred just after the victory of August 5. People from all walks of life and every corner of the country tried to rush to the affected zone with whatever they had. This positive state of emotion could have been guided professionally. As a disaster-prone country, government and non-governmental organisations in Bangladesh have had significant disaster response experiences over the past 54 years. But were we able to cash the "positive emotions" of people with our experience?

In response to students' call for "gono-traan," people from different parts of the capital rushed to Dhaka University with relief as per their capacity and abilities. Even persons with disabilities living in the street and rickshaw pullers responded to the call. I couldn't control my tears when they said, "We are happy to be a part of this. For decades we have been searching for this real Bangladesh." Students of various institutions also collected funds from busy intersections and mosques. People donated generously—cash, basic medicines, dry food, clothes, sanitary napkins, water, life jackets, and even unnecessary things that could not be used. Although there are several disaster management departments and institutions, nobody advised people about what should be donated. Within a few days, the games room, the TSC cafeteria, the gymnasium, and rooms in the social science faculty filled up with relief goods.

Collections versus distribution

Last week, a friend of mine visited the campus and shared photos of piled-up undistributed relief materials on his Facebook page. He advocated for quick disposal of these materials and wrote, "The students are very good at participating in movements, moving forward fearlessly, and have also shown their skill in collecting donations during calamities. But transporting them to flood-affected areas, and distributing them requires another kind of expertise and logistical support. That task will not be easy for them. So, it would be good to give the remaining materials to a well-reputed NGO or Red Crescent, working in the flood-affected area. The relief can be divided and given to several organisations."

In an ideal situation, the collections could have been sent to the affected upazila administrations for distribution. They have an established system of distribution guided by Standing Orders on Disaster (SoD). Over the years, the country has managed to establish this comprehensive disaster management framework. SoD was initially introduced in 1997 and has undergone several revisions, with the most recent update occurring in 2019.

The framework establishes a clear command and control structure, ensuring a well-defined line of authority from the central government down to local entities.

With the help of the union disaster management committees, the respective Union Nirbahi Officers could have distributed the received goods as per the list of the affected people. In the past upazila and district administrations came forward proactively and took control of relief distribution to avoid duplication and reach the marginalised communities in the remotest areas. But unlike other times, on August 24, the administration did not do its best or they hesitated to perform their duties.

Coordination was needed not only for distribution but also for ensuring the security of new aid workers arriving from outside. The names and contact details of these aid workers, who went to the affected districts, should have been recorded at the district level or the upazila relief coordination centres, which the government prefers to call the control room. Many youth groups and individuals faced fatal accidents and confronted unpleasant situations in trying to distribute relief. In some cases, the army had to intervene to rescue the new aid workers.

Until recently, the administration functioned under a political boss and somewhat within a bureaucratic chain of command. For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, local civil administration could have set an example by conducting relief and rescue management operations in the absence of a politically biased authority. In the past, they had to think twice before making a decision. They would have to wait for the confirmation of the local MP. Sometimes, MPs or their cronies would communicate "uporer nirdesh" or the instructions of a higher authority. Government circulars, cabinet calls or letters would be issued. Moreover, they had to remain busy with the protocol of VIPs visiting the affected areas. This time they could have planned professionally and guided the youths to deliver the relief materials, where needed.

Coordination was needed not only for distribution but also for ensuring the security of new aid workers arriving from outside. The names and contact details of these aid workers, who went to the affected districts, should have been recorded at the district level or the upazila relief coordination centres, which the government prefers to call the control room. Many youth groups and individuals faced fatal accidents and confronted unpleasant situations in trying to distribute relief. In some cases, the army had to intervene to rescue the new aid workers.

Another type of coordination failure also took place this time. In the past, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society played a strong role in relief distribution and rehabilitation through its district Red Crescent committees. Sadly, these committees too have fallen silent under the clutches of politicisation. Almost all the committee members, being from the ousted political party, went into hiding this time.

In addition to that coordination system at NGO level also got impacted. NGOs have developed their own institutions for coordination, which have been functioning long before the establishment of the NGO Bureau. Without respecting the present practice, the NGO Bureau, on August 28, issued a letter nominating NGO representatives in "regional coordination centers" for combating the flood situation. This letter created confusion in the existing, clear coordination system of NGOs.

The remaining thread of the coordination system is the union parishads. Though some UP chairmen and members are also on the run, almost all the women representatives are still in their respective localities. Instead of disbanding the union parishads now, they should have been entrusted with the relief coordination at the field level.

What should be done?

The union committees should be reconstituted and young people from Girl Guides, Scouts, Bangladesh National Cadets Corps, etc should be included as full members in the union disaster management committees. A circular from the interim government will be enough to do this. Needless to say, there are no posts for youths in disaster management committees at district, upazila or union level, though they play a vital role in rescue and relief operations. Upazila committees should also be formed with the representatives of the reconstituted union committees. There too the youth should be made full members constituting one-third of the total number of members.

If we want to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh, we have to move forward by implementing a proper system and putting the right persons in the right places, while making them accountable to the people. If our target is right, we will surely create the land that Abu Sayed, Snigdho, Fayyaz and all the others, who sacrificed their life for democracy, dreamt of.

Gawher Nayeem Wahra is a researcher and writer.​

 

[Saif]

Flood-hit people need urgent support

Authorities must learn from past failures to improve response.

www.thedailystar.net

Flood-hit people need urgent support
Authorities must learn from past failures to improve response

While people in many districts are still reeling from the fallout of the August floods—deemed by some as the worst in the country since 1988—reports say that recent occurrences of heavy rainfall and onrush of water from upstream have yet again inundated vast tracts of areas in northern districts, marooning over 60,000 people in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram as of Sunday night. Many low-lying areas in Rangpur and Nilphamari have also been flooded. As a result, many of the affected have had to leave their homes, taking shelter on roads and embankments. Moreover, thousands of hectares of croplands, including Aman and vegetable fields, have been submerged. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has said the situation may improve by Tuesday, but if water does not begin to recede as expected, it may damage early-winter crops. This needs immediate action from the authorities.

The question is, how prepared is the government to deal with such frequent floods and the devastations caused by them? Its response to the August flood has been often slow and ineffective, with the rehabilitation programmes for victims yet to begin. The priority now is to provide those stranded in the four northern districts with shelter, food and drinking water, and necessary medicine. They will also require help to protect their livestock and poultry as their livelihoods depend on them. Once floodwaters recede, there will be the gargantuan challenge of rehabilitation, reconstructing their homes and repairing damaged infrastructure, including roads and embankments, etc. The affected, especially those in worst-hit areas, will also need financial support to rebuild.

The government's proactive role in these endeavours is crucial. The NGOs and wider society should also come forward to support these endeavours. During the devastating flood of August, we saw how people from all walks of life came forward to support the victims. However, coordination became a big issue in conducting relief operations in remote areas with the local administrations struggling to do their part. Therefore, the government must take lessons from these shortcomings and prepare to efficiently support the victims this time. It also must build a robust flood management and rehabilitation system for dealing with such natural disasters in the future.​

 

[Saif]

Latest flood is yet another wake-up call

Can we be better prepared next time?

www.thedailystar.net

Latest flood is yet another wake-up call
Can we be better prepared next time?

VISUAL: STAR

The flood situation in Sherpur, Netrokona and parts of Mymensingh is worsening, with gushing water submerging roads and entering establishments so fast that people have little to no time to escape. At least three deaths have already been reported. Images of people's desperation in trying to save themselves from the ferocity of the water highlight the immediate need to evacuate people faster. Flash floods, as their name indicates, happen suddenly, but continuous heavy rainfall can also predict them. We have been well aware that heavy rainfall was expected throughout the week in most parts of the country and the Meghalaya mountains. Could the government have been better prepared?

So far, the floods have hit three upazilas, affecting more than 163 villages. Water from melting ice in the mountains in Meghalaya keeps entering the lowlands, leaving thousands of people stranded. The army, along with volunteers and the fire service, is evacuating people. They have opened schools as shelters and arranged life-saving equipment such as speedboats and life jackets. However, thousands of people are still waiting to be rescued.

More rain will mean rising water levels, causing further suffering. Already, the floods have destroyed crops, livestock, poultry, and homes. It is, of course, after the floods that the devastation will be clearer and when people will need the most help. The interim government should take lessons from the last few floods, which have been particularly severe. In Feni, particularly, reaching relief to people stranded in remote areas proved to be extremely challenging, leaving them with little food and other necessities.

This year, Bangladesh has witnessed debilitating floods throughout the monsoon season, affecting numerous districts. Unusually heavy rainfall and filled up canals and other water bodies resulted in the water rising faster, making it more difficult for people to evacuate or save their livestock or crops. The situation in Sherpur is no different.

In addition to the immediate steps needed to evacuate people and provide relief, the government must focus on treating post-flood diseases and rebuilding people's lives and homes. The financial losses incurred by individuals are immense, and the government must provide financial and logistical support. Climate change guarantees that floods will be more frequent and more severe in the near future. The efficiency of disaster management must be improved, with proper involvement from civil administration to work alongside NGOs and charitable groups. We must free up water bodies and work together to help flood victims rebuild their lives.​

 

[Saif]

Flood situation improves in parts of Sherpur; death toll rises to eight

Three more bodies have been retrieved from several areas of flood-hit Sherpur district, raising the death toll from the natural disaster to eight. The deceased were identified as Muktar Hossain, 50, of Kurekanda village under Urpa union, Abdur Razzak, 60, of Gazaria Kingkarpur village under Ganpad

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Flood situation improves in parts of Sherpur; death toll rises to eight
UNB
Published :
Oct 07, 2024 11:25
Updated :
Oct 07, 2024 11:25

Three more bodies have been retrieved from several areas of flood-hit Sherpur district, raising the death toll from the natural disaster to eight.

The deceased were identified as Muktar Hossain, 50, of Kurekanda village under Urpa union, Abdur Razzak, 60, of Gazaria Kingkarpur village under Ganpaddi union and Ujjal Mia, 35, of Jalalpur village, all hailing from Nakla upazila of the district.

Though the flood situation in 15 unions under Nalitabari, Jhenaigati and Sreebardi upazilas was improved, situation in some 12 unions and a municipality of Nakla upazila worsened.

People who took refuge at shelter centres are returning to their homes where the flood waters drained out.

District Water Development's Executive Engineer Md Nakibuzzaman Khan said water in Chellakhali and Bhogai rivers was flowing below danger level.

He said the rivers were flowing 77 and 133 cm below the danger level at Batkuci and Nalitabari Bazar points. Although there is no hydro measuring point, the Maharashi and Someshwari Rivers now have normal water flow.

The engineer forecast that the water level of the rivers will decrease further and the flood situation will improve in a day or two if there is no heavy rain.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Aman paddy on 46,790 hectares of land, vegetable on 1,200 hectares and ginger cultivated in five upazilas of Sherpur were submerged, causing losses to at least 1,72,630 farmers.

District Primary Education Officer Md Obaidullah said 242 government primary schools in the district have been closed due to flooding.

Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, Red Crescent Youth Volunteers and non-government volunteers are carrying out rescue operations in the flood-hit areas of the district.

The district administration is distributing relief materials, dry food and water among the flood victims.

Sherpur Deputy Commissioner Torofdar Mahmudur Rahman said relief distribution will continue.

Work is underway to prepare a list of the affected people, he said, adding that all kinds of assistance will be provided to the flood victims.

Assistance for rehabilitation will also be provided to the victims after the water recedes completely and the higher authorities were informed, he added.

Alongside the government, several political parties have come forward to stand by the flood-hit people with dry foods and other materials.​

 

[Saif]

‘There should be a central coordinator to oversee flood management’

Mohammad Abdul Qayyum, former National Project Director of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP) and adjunct faculty at Dhaka University, talks to Naznin Tithi of The Daily Star about the weaknesses of our flood management efforts this year as well as the importance of stronger...

www.thedailystar.net

‘There should be a central coordinator to oversee flood management’

Mohammad Abdul Qayyum

Mohammad Abdul Qayyum, former National Project Director of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP) and adjunct faculty at Dhaka University, talks to Naznin Tithi of The Daily Star about the weaknesses of our flood management efforts this year as well as the importance of stronger coordination and better flood forecasting.


Why have our flood management efforts been so weak this year, particularly in Sherpur, where inadequate government response was criticised?

I think the primary reason for the government's inadequate response is the instability within the administration. After the fall of the previous government, local government institutions were not functioning properly, which remains the case till now. So, during the floods, they could not engage with the affected communities properly. There were no significant efforts to visit affected areas to assess damage or coordinate relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. Also, since some of the areas affected this year usually do not experience flooding, both local communities and relevant government bodies were unprepared.

However, after the experience of Feni and Noakhali floods, the government should have been more alert about the changing flood patterns and responded accordingly, but it did not. The Sherpur flood should not have caught it off guard, but it did, again indicating its unpreparedness.

In Sherpur, flood water recedes through two routes: one towards Netrakona and Mymensingh, the other to the Brahmaputra in Jamalpur. The lower riparian areas had time to evacuate people before the floods, but we saw no such action. I think the government should have given more importance to Sherpur, considering that it is one of the four key regions (along with Naogaon, Kushtia and Bhairab) that produce surplus rice and vegetables throughout the year. So, its flood vulnerability should have been a priority.

This year's floods were more destructive than in previous years, even supposedly surpassing the 1988 floods in some areas. Besides natural causes, what human factors contributed to this scenario?

Central Bangladesh is known to be vulnerable to flooding. These areas are inundated to some extent every year. But this year's floods were not the usual type. Bangladesh usually experiences river floods in which water levels rise gradually and people somehow adapt to it. But this year, the floods were caused by excessive rainfall in both Bangladesh and India, along with sudden water surges from upstream, dam failures, etc. In Sherpur, heavy rainfall, sudden hill runoff from India, and breaches in the dams exacerbated the situation. Also, while the water is meant to reach the sea via various channels, the connecting routes were not in a condition to channel it quickly.

We saw how unplanned development works such as roads and various infrastructure projects obstructed the natural flow of water, trapping it in some areas for extended periods, while the depletion of forests in both upstream and downstream areas also intensified the severity of flooding. These man-made factors made this year's floods more destructive.

I was in the region during the 1988 flood and I can tell that the damage then was considerably less. But this time, the breach in the flood protection embankments worsened the situation. The same thing happened in Feni and Cumilla as well.

What are some of the areas the government should look into to expedite post-flood rehabilitation?

Post-flood, restoring the communication network is crucial. Damaged roads need urgent repair to ensure relief supplies, such as food and medicine, can reach affected areas. Moreover, if the roads are not repaired urgently, farmers face a two-fold problem. First, if they cannot transport their produce to the market on time, they suffer financially as the prices of their products fall. Second, transportation costs for essential goods increase, which affects both farmers and eventually consumers.

Rebuilding livelihoods is another priority. During the recent floods, many people lost their livestock and poultry, while many fish farms were washed away. NGOs, which often provide livelihood support to rural communities, should collaborate with the government to offer new opportunities. Farmers need paddy saplings, vegetable seeds, and other resources to rebuild their livelihoods. Any delay in providing assistance only deepens poverty and has broader economic repercussions for the country.

For all these efforts, effective government coordination is essential. This is lacking at present. I think what the relevant ministry can do is appoint a central coordinator to guide local administrations in activating all local bodies and offices of various departments such as the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Water Development Board (WDB), and the union parishads for post-flood rehabilitation efforts. The government has disaster management funds that can be used for recovery. But they need to be deployed effectively.

What preparations are needed for future floods in newly affected areas like Sherpur?

We need more flood shelters in regions like greater Mymensingh that are typically not flood-prone but now increasingly vulnerable. We must recognise that no areas are entirely safe from flooding anymore. Also, flood protection embankments need to be built scientifically and maintained regularly. In many cases, the embankments are not built following proper designs and measurements—the top-bottom ratio is usually not maintained. Also, many embankments fail because they are built with poor-quality sandy soil which is not resistant to floods and can break easily.

Using more resilient materials like Etel soil and conducting regular inspections can prevent breaches. Moreover, resource-rich areas like Sherpur should receive more attention in national flood management planning.

How can our flood forecasting system be improved in the changed reality? The recent floods in the northern and northeastern regions have brought to the fore the shortcomings of conventional flood prediction methods...

We have an advanced flood forecasting system, but it is primarily designed to predict river floods. It does not account for localised floods caused by sudden rainfall or cloudbursts, as we saw this year. So, we definitely need to improve our flood forecasting system to address the new reality. At present, we have a flood forecasting unit under the Water Development Board that forecasts river flooding, while the meteorological department does rainfall forecast. By linking our flood forecasting unit with the meteorological department and ensuring data sharing in real-time, we can better predict localised floods such as the ones that occurred in Sherpur or Feni.

We also need better cooperation with India to ensure timely alerts when water is being released upstream, giving us more time to prepare for any eventuality. Improved coordination and technology can help us manage the increasingly unpredictable flood patterns we are now facing.​

 

[Saif]

Robust tech-based response mechanism is needed to tackle flood

The use of real-time observation to track and manage the changing climate is a crucial element lacking in the existing flood response.

www.thedailystar.net

Robust tech-based response mechanism is needed to tackle flood

While flooding is not in the greater Mymensingh region, the frequency and intensity of the flood in recent times caught both residents and the local administration off guard. FILE PHOTO: MD AMINUL ISLAM

Bangladesh's Sherpur, Netrokona recently dealt with one of the worst floods after Feni. Massive regions have been swamped by consecutive floods, forcing thousands of residents to relocate and damaging infrastructure, houses, and crops. The flood in Sherpur claimed the lives of 11 persons in total. Hundreds of villages in the upazilas of Durgapur, Kalmakanda, Purbadhala, Barhatta, and Netrokona Sadar become immersed under water. Flash floods have left 67,520 people stranded in Bangladesh's Sherpur, Netrokona, and Mymensingh districts. About 20,000 hectares of Aman paddy have been damaged, and houses, highways, and several educational facilities have been inundated. According to the Sherpur district Fisheries Officer, fish from more than 2,000 fish enclosures have been washed away.

The flood caused food shortages, a lack of access to basic medical treatment, and serious damage to businesses and agricultural farms. The lack of available alleviation in the region was an issue. Despite the administration's claims of delivering aid, the aid offered was insufficient. Many people reported getting very little and frequently delayed aid. The relief measures highlighted the need for a more robust response mechanism. Local authorities have struggled to cope with the sheer scale of the disaster, and the lack of coordination among government agencies led to inefficient aid distribution. While flooding is not new to the region, the frequency of the flood in recent times and the intensity of the situation caught both residents and the local administration off guard, revealing critical gaps in flood preparedness and relief efforts.

The change in weather and climatic abnormalities necessitates reassessing disaster preparedness plans and highlights the importance of thorough risk assessments that these changes into account. The antiquated classifications for regions defined by their susceptibility to flooding or cyclones are no longer feasible as climate change continues to jeopardise weather patterns. Disasters can strike anywhere, any time as demonstrated by the changing climate, so all communities need to be ready. It is now more vital than ever to educate and raise awareness, especially in areas that were previously thought to be safe. Implementing regular drills and workshops can indeed create a culture of preparedness, ensuring that communities know how to act swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes. This not only helps in reducing panic but also ensures that the response is coordinated and efficient, ultimately saving lives. The agony experienced by those affected by the disaster is further exacerbated by the fact that it unfolded during a period of acute administrative dysfunction, after the recent fall of the Hasina government. The normal channels of coordination and communication—which are vital during emergencies—have collapsed due to the shakiness of the administrative framework.

The use of real-time observation to track and manage the changing situation is one of the crucial elements lacking in the existing flood response. Real-time information on resource requirements, impacted areas, and flood levels can offer crucial insights that facilitate speedier and more precise decision-making. Relief organisations frequently function in the dark without this knowledge, which causes resource misallocation and delayed responses in holding rescue operations and delivering critical services to those in need. In the absence of clear communication, multiple organisations may end up duplicating efforts in the same areas, while other regions remain underserved. This redundancy wastes valuable resources and time, reducing the overall impact of the relief efforts.

Right now, it is imperative to reclaim administrative functionality. Local disaster management committee restoration and strengthening must be the primary concern for the interim government. The interim government should temporarily establish an entirely distinct emergency management committee from the district to the union level. A coordinated response is contingent upon making sure these organisations have adequate resources, are staffed appropriately, and are running smoothly. By putting this decentralised approach to disaster management into practice, local authorities can react to crises more rapidly and efficiently.

Technology-based disaster management assistance may substantially enhance the efficacy and efficiency of responses, foremost when it comes to flooding. Especially in the context of floods, establishing community radio stations and setting up decentralised control rooms for emergency response are both essential stages in improving disaster preparedness and response. The government should invest in real-time flood monitoring systems, using satellite imagery, drones, and ground-level sensors to track flood levels, affected areas, and infrastructure damage. This data should be shared with all stakeholders—government agencies, NGOs, INGOs, and local communities—to ensure informed and rapid decision-making.

Decentralised control rooms allow for quicker, more responsive decision-making at the local level. These control rooms can be established in key locations across various districts and upazilas, enabling authorities to monitor the situation in real-time and respond more efficiently to the unique needs of each area. While these control rooms operate locally, they should be integrated into a national disaster management framework, allowing for a coordinated approach that can escalate support if the situation exceeds local capabilities.

Coordinating amongst various stakeholders, such as emergency services, volunteer groups, local government representatives, and non-governmental organisations, can be facilitated by each control room. This guarantees that resources are distributed effectively and that relief and rescue operations are coordinated. For imminent risk, real-time data integration is essential. Modern technology can be installed in control centres to combine information from multiple sources, including satellite photos, reports from the field, flood sensors, and weather forecasts.

Satellite data, weather radars, and predictive modeling can be used to monitor weather patterns and anticipate possible floods. Large-scale data can be analysed by machine learning algorithms to provide early warnings about flooding and rising water levels, allowing communities more time to plan and evacuate if required.

A reliable mobile alert system should be established that notifies community people in at-risk areas in real time while offering instructions. Information concerning shelter locations, evacuation routes, and emergency contacts may be included in these alerts. Drones can take sharp photos and videos, which can be used to survey areas affected by flooding in real-time, to gather important information about the extent of the flooding, the damage to the infrastructure, and the areas that require immediate attention as well as planning rescue operations and allocating resources where they are most needed.

A unified relief database that tracks real-time relief distribution can prevent overlaps and ensure that aid reaches those in greatest need. The use of real-time data in this system would allow for dynamic adjustments to the relief strategy as the situation evolves. This centralised digital platform that connects all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, INGOs, and local organizations, is crucial. Decentralised control rooms and community radio stations are two doable, efficient ways to improve disaster management. By emphasising local capacity building and utilising technology, these programmes can guarantee that communities are more equipped to withstand and recover from future disasters.

Indeed, Bangladesh has come a long way in the last few decades in terms of disaster management, particularly with regard to managing cyclones and riverine floods. The country has developed early warning systems, built cyclone shelters, and improved its overall preparedness, reducing the number of casualties and the impact of such disasters. However, the recent flooding in the northern regions of the country has revealed critical gaps in the current disaster management framework, challenging the notion of whether is Bangladesh fully prepared for impending disasters anywhere, anytime, anyplace.

Monira Sharmin is a columnist and a member of Jatiya Nagorik Committee.​

 

[Saif]

To check prolonged flooding, we must restore our waterbodies

The plight of a canal in Habiganj calls for proper interventions

www.thedailystar.net

To check prolonged flooding, we must restore our waterbodies
The plight of a canal in Habiganj calls for proper interventions

VISUAL: STAR

Irrespective of where a canal or river is located in the country, hardly any waterbody has managed to escape the reach of land grabbers, especially those with political connections. The story of a canal within the haor region of Habiganj's Lakhai upazila is no exception. Over the last 20 to 25 years, nearly 15km of this 20km canal has been filled in and overrun with shops, houses, and other structures. This has compromised the natural drainage system of the haor, which connects to the Sutang River, causing waterlogging and inundating adjacent croplands for prolonged periods.

According to a report in this daily, most of those who encroached on this canal are local Awami League leaders and their cronies. The former chairman of the Lakhai upazila parishad, currently a fugitive following Sheikh Hasina's fall on August 5, had even built an approach road to his house occupying part of the canal. Unfortunately, when it comes to the encroachment of waterbodies and other natural resources, there seems to be hardly any difference between AL and BNP, with the names of two BNP men and their relatives coming up among the alleged grabbers.

However, with a non-political government now in place and Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an environmentalist of considerable repute, serving as the adviser for environment, forest, and climate change, there is renewed hope that the authorities will take drastic actions to restore the canal, and all such bodies, by evicting the occupiers and removing illegal structures. Influential individuals sometimes exploit the vulnerability of locals as a pretext for encroaching on waterbodies, but such excuses should not impede eviction drives. In a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh, restoration of water bodies such as canals is becoming increasingly crucial. The prolonged flooding witnessed this year in the eastern region, where clogged and encroached waterbodies prevented floodwaters from draining, should serve as a warning call for us.

So, we urge the government to take urgent steps to restore these local waterbodies. However, a proper eviction process with sufficient notice issued to the occupiers must be followed. At the same time, ensuring post-eviction monitoring to prevent grabbers from reoccupying the canal area—a practice observed frequently under the previous regime—is also crucial.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh needs to rebuild its disaster management system

Bangladesh must develop a new disaster management system.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh needs to rebuild its disaster management system

People carrying relief materials wade through flood waters in Feni, in south-eastern Bangladesh, on August 24, 2024. FILE PHOTO: AFP

This year's UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, ended in a controversial deal. After much bargaining, rich countries have promised to provide a mere $300 billion annually to adapt to weather extremities, which is much less than expected by the struggling nations. This has left the heads of these affected countries highly disappointed.

Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, also participated in this conference. He expressed disappointment during an interview with an international media outlet, stating that COP is not a fish market to bargain for climate funds. The emitter countries are responsible for the frequent natural disasters that occur in developing nations and therefore should compensate them.

While the head of the interim government expressed his anger in Baku, his government, on the other hand, has not been able to rehabilitate the people affected by a major flood in the southeastern part of Bangladesh after three months of its occurrence, which is disappointing too. According to a recent media report, the work of rehabilitation is still underway and will take more time, whereas already one crop season has passed.

Bangladesh is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries, ranking seventh globally in the 2021 World Climate Risk Index. About 50 million people in this country live under the risk of climate hazards. On October 6, a press conference of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) revealed that the damage caused by floods in the southeastern region this year amounted to Tk 14,421 crore. Of this, agriculture and forest sectors suffered the most—approximately Tk 5,169 crore. According to data from the Feni Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the recent flooding damaged crops worth Tk 524 crore in this district. But the government has reimbursed only Tk 20 crore 71 lakhs to them.

On November 17, the Feni Department of Agriculture Office informed that the number of farmers affected by the Feni flood was almost 158,000. However, only 35,000 of them have got incentives so far. The affected farmers received a small amount of vegetable seeds, paddy seeds, and fertilisers as incentives for Boro seasons which is completely inadequate compared to the damage.

According to the 2024 Feni District Relief and Rehabilitation Office Report, the damage to the fisheries was more than Tk 100 crore but the relief allocation was only Tk 22 lakhs. The number of listed damaged households is 8,659 but the local administration has received only 400 bundles of tin and Tk12 lakh cash as aid. Besides, the Bangladesh Army and some national and international NGOs are also working separately to rehabilitate the affected people. The flood crisis occurs every year because the government never goes beyond the conventional bureaucracy to help.

Severe heat waves, droughts, river erosion, frequent devastating floods, and cyclones are a reality worldwide. Frequent natural disasters are the result of excessive carbon emissions in developed countries. But the common people of our country who are affected think only nature can be blamed for these losses. Therefore, they are not eager to go to the government with their just demands.

However, as the heads of developing countries are demanding compensation from developed countries at international conferences, the people of Bangladesh should now demand compensation from the government too. Farmers should demand compensation for the crops that they have lost due to untimely floods. In an interview with Arab News, Shawkat Ali Mirza, director of Climate Change and International Conventions at the Department of Environment, who attended the recently concluded COP29, said that the Bangladesh government spends $3 to $3.5 billion annually to combat the effects of climate change. Bangladesh, amongst other countries, expects at least $1 billion annually from this COP29 to combat the effects of climate change.

The government must first be accountable to the people of the country. To do this, it must develop a completely new disaster management system without relying too much on bureaucracy, so that those affected can be rehabilitated very easily and quickly.

Mostafa Shabuj is a journalist at The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

The breach in Dhaka’s flood defenses

Designed to rescue Dhaka from floods, water retention ponds are now in need of rescue themselves. These basins, meant for stormwater management, are shrinking rapidly due to encroachments, unplanned urbanisation, and government neglect..Just like the capital’s canals, these lifelines are n

www.thedailystar.net

The breach in Dhaka’s flood defenses
Water retention ponds shrinking due to urban sprawl

Illegal structures now stand at the Kalyanpur retention pond area. Retention ponds like this are essential to prevent waterlogging, but unchecked urbanisation, jurisdictional overlaps, and negligence threaten their survival, endangering Dhaka’s resilience against floods. Photo: Rashed Shumon

Once the lifelines of Dhaka, the city's canals are now mere shadows of their former selves—clogged with pollution, suffocated by encroachment, and neglected due to flawed urban planning. In this seven-part series, The Daily Star explores the current condition of the capital's canals, botched restoration attempts, and how the sorry state of these waterways is exacerbating the city's waterlogging woes. Together, these stories reveal what it will take to bring Dhaka's dying canals back to life. Here is the third part of the series:

Designed to rescue Dhaka from floods, water retention ponds are now in need of rescue themselves. These basins, meant for stormwater management, are shrinking rapidly due to encroachments, unplanned urbanisation, and government neglect.

Just like the capital's canals, these lifelines are now being choked, one illegal grab at a time.

WHAT ARE RETENTION PONDS?

Retention ponds serve as reservoirs for stormwater runoff, preventing flooding and downstream erosion while maintaining water quality. By acting as buffers, they ensure that urban areas can cope with heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoons.

Retention ponds act like giant bowls that collect and store excess rainwater during downpours, preventing nearby areas from flooding.

Imagine this: during a storm, instead of rainwater overwhelming streets and homes, these ponds hold the water temporarily. Over time, they release it slowly into nearby rivers or canals, reducing the risk of sudden flooding.

For example, in Dhaka's Mirpur area, stormwater from nearby roads, homes, and markets flows into the Kallyanpur retention pond through Kalyanpur main canal and its branch canals, which is then pumped out to the Buriganga river, said a Wasa official. If this pond didn't exist, the water would pool on the streets, causing severe waterlogging.

Retention ponds also improve water quality by filtering out pollutants from the runoff before it reaches rivers.

"Retention ponds are indispensable for reducing Dhaka's flood vulnerability. Protecting them is critical for the city's sustainability," said Akter Mahmud, a member of the advisory council of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners.

Photo: Rashed Shumon

WESTERN RETENTION PONDS

The western part of Dhaka is home to three key pump stations – Kalyanpur, Goran Chatbari, and Dholai Khal – each designed with designated retention ponds. However, over the years, these ponds have been encroached upon, drastically reducing their capacity.

At Dholai Khal, a box culvert constructed in the 1990s by the Dhaka city corporation destroyed the retention area. The pumping station, which requires at least 105 acres for optimal operation, now has just 3.5 acres.

There are three pumps at the Dholaikhal station, each with a capacity of 7.4 cubic metres per second. They are struggling to manage the growing burden.

At Kalyanpur, the situation is equally dire.

A study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 1990 recommended a pumping station with a 20 cumec capacity and 514 acres of retention pond area. However, in over three decades, the government has managed to acquire only 53.004 acres, far short of the requirement.

Despite acquiring only 53.004 acres, the DNCC has designated 178.82 acres as retention space. This includes 98.35 acres owned by BADC, 6.36 acres by WDB, 11.40 acres of government khash land, and 62.71 acres belonging to Dhaka Wasa. A substantial part of this land is under encroachment.

The BADC recently attempted to fill 11 acres of retention land for a four-storey tissue culture building, violating the Environment Conservation (Amendment) Act 2010. Although legal challenges have stalled the construction, environmentalists warn that the area remains at risk.

"The government's failure to acquire the required land when it was affordable has made the situation worse," said a WASA official. "What could have been done for Tk 50 crore then would now require an exponentially higher budget."

When asked about BADC filling up 11 acres of land, Md Mahmudul Hasan, administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, said BADC still owns significantly more land than what has been filled. BADC uses the land as seed beds.

Rajuk has designated the area as a waterbody in the Detailed Area Plan.

Meanwhile, Goran Chatbari's retention pond, once 619 acres, has also lost 40 acres to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry to implement one of their projects. Although additional pumps have been installed to compensate, the loss of retention area has strained the system.

EASTERN RETENTION PONDS

Dhaka's eastern retention ponds are also struggling to survive.

Two critical areas – one at the confluence of the Gobindopur and Bouthar canals at the Uttar Khan and Dakkhin Khan areas on the bank of Balu River, and another at the ending points of the Dumini and Norai canals at Nagdarpara and Kayetpara – are also being filled up in the name of housing projects.

"These areas are earmarked in the Drainage Master Plan, Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP), and Detailed Area Plan (DAP)," said Akter Mahmud.

Without intervention, the government risks losing these crucial areas, jeopardising future drainage projects, he said.

WHO IS TO BLAME?

Encroachment, negligence, and a lack of coordinated government action are at the heart of the crisis, according to experts.

Overlapping jurisdictions between Wasa, DNCC, and the Ministry of Agriculture have resulted in a lack of accountability and enforcement, they added.

"The government must take immediate steps to protect these areas," said Iqbal Habib, an urban planner. "Canals and retention ponds are integral to the city's drainage system. Any disruption could lead to a total collapse."

Despite the grim outlook, there are, however, some promising initiatives.

DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin revealed plans for a hydro-eco park at Kalyanpur. The project envisions a retention pond surrounded by trees to increase water-carrying capacity while maintaining ecological balance.

However, a large portion of BADC's land is essential for this project.

Meanwhile, administrator Mahmudul said both the DNCC and LGRD Ministry support the project, but an inter-ministerial decision is required for the land.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka’s disappearing flood-flow zones

Flood-flow zones, crucial for maintaining Dhaka’s ecological balance, are rapidly vanishing, leaving the city increasingly vulnerable to waterlogging, loss of groundwater recharge, and potential flooding.

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka’s disappearing flood-flow zones
How the city buried its natural water channels, wetlands in the name of development

High-rise buildings and smaller establishments occupy a designated flood-flow zone in Bosila. below, the Detailed Area Plan 2010 shows the place was supposed tp be all green and free from establishments for flood retention, a vision, that has been disregarded over the years. Encroachments like this are eroding Dhaka’s natural defences against waterlogging and floods. Photo: Rashed Shumon

Once the lifelines of Dhaka, the city's canals are now mere shadows of their former selves—clogged with pollution, suffocated by encroachment, and neglected due to flawed urban planning. In this seven-part series, The Daily Star explores the current condition of the capital's canals, botched restoration attempts, and how the sorry state of these waterways is exacerbating the city's waterlogging woes. Together, these stories reveal what it will take to bring Dhaka's dying canals back to life. Here is the fourth part of the series:

Flood-flow zones, crucial for maintaining Dhaka's ecological balance, are rapidly vanishing, leaving the city increasingly vulnerable to waterlogging, loss of groundwater recharge, and potential flooding.

Experts and urban planners blame rampant encroachment, questionable policies by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), and a culture of impunity that has legitimised illegal land use.

FLOOD-FLOW ZONES: A CRITICAL RESOURCE
Flood-flow zones are designated low-lying areas meant to retain water during monsoons, preventing urban flooding and aiding groundwater recharge. Historically, these zones ensured that excess water from rivers like the Buriganga had natural outlets, reducing the risk of flash floods and waterlogging.

However, Dhaka has lost vast swathes of these zones due to unplanned urbanisation.

According to a 2019 study by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), the city lost 1,072 acres (57 percent) of its 1,879-acre flood-flow zones in metropolitan areas within a decade.

Till 2019, since the publishing of the gazette on the previous master plan (DAP-2010), the city lost 3,440 acres out of 9,556 acres of flood-flow zones, water retention areas, and water bodies.

POLICIES FUELING ENCROACHMENT
The Detailed Area Plan, approved in 2023, has drawn severe criticism for legalising residential developments in previously conservable flood-flow zones.

While the DAP imposes penalties for unauthorized construction under the Building Construction Rules, these penalties remain negligible, with no substantive action against encroachment.

"This is a glaring weakness of Rajuk and the DAP," said Fazle Reza Sumon, former president of BIP. "This legalisation benefits certain quarters, encouraging others to encroach upon flood-flow zones with the hope of eventual regularization," he said.

Rajuk has further divided flood-flow zones into "open flood-flow zones" and "general flood-flow zones".

While development is restricted in open zones, conditional development is now permitted in general zones, reducing the total flood-flow area by 23 percent.

"Rajuk has effectively legitimised encroachments and now has the power to alter land use based on individual or other considerations," said Iqbal Habib, vice president of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon. "This will reduce Dhaka's flood-flow zones to a mere 26 percent of their original size."

CONSEQUENCES FOR DHAKA'S ENVIRONMENT
The gradual loss of flood-flow zones has dire implications for the city. Without sufficient floodplains, rivers like the Buriganga face reduced inflows, endangering their ecological health.

"When houses are built on elevated flood-flow zones, roads are also raised, creating low pockets that trap water," explained Iqbal Habib. "This leads to severe waterlogging in areas like Kalabagan, Kathalbagan, Rayerbazar, Matikata, and the DND region."

Mohammad Azaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), highlighted how Dhaka has transformed from a wetland city into a concrete maze.

"Dhaka should have been a sponge city, retaining water during rains. But unplanned urbanisation and inadequate town planning have buried natural water channels and wetlands, leaving the city defenseless against flooding."

Adil Mohammad Khan, president of BIP, added, "Flood-flow zones were once restricted for farming and water retention, ensuring natural flood mitigation. Now, the absence of penalties for encroachments has made the current DAP toothless."

Iqbal Habib warned, "Without sufficient flood-flow zones, Dhaka will face increased flash floods and river flooding. Vulnerable areas along the Buriganga's banks and other low-lying pockets will suffer the most."

HOUSING PROJECTS: GOVT, PVT CULPRITS
Government agencies have played a leading role in this crisis by developing large housing projects on wetlands, such as Uttara phases 1, 2, and 3, Purbachal, Jheelmil, and Baridhara J Block, according to experts.

Private developers followed suit, with Jahirul Islam's Banasree and Eastern Housing becoming models for indiscriminate wetland encroachment, said Azaz.

"Even local housing societies are now filling wetlands and flood-flow zones for new projects," added Iqbal Habib.

The Drainage Masterplan 2016 by Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) revealed that many back swamps, depressions, and natural channels have already been filled in Dhaka, exacerbating the city's drainage issues.

THE WAY FORWARD
Experts emphasise that protecting flood-flow zones require strict enforcement of existing regulations and meaningful penalties for encroachment. Developing Dhaka's town planning with a focus on ecology and sustainability is also crucial.

"The government must prioritise ecological and social considerations over mere land use," said Azaz. "Dhaka's survival depends on its ability to balance urbanisation with environmental preservation."

Stressing the need for proper protection of flood-flow zones, Adil said any type of development should be completely restricted in the flood-flow zones around Dhaka.

He said main flood-flow and sub-flood flow zones should be merged in the DAP to prohibit any types of development in these areas as they are imperative for water retention and protecting biodiversity, he added.

"Vested interest groups that were involved in the destruction of flood-flow zones for housing, industry, or other activities, should be identified and penalised accordingly. Culpable officials of Rajuk, DoE, water development board, DC office, and other government offices should be punished as well for their misconduct," Adil said.

Adil said environmental laws should be modified and amended to increase the punishment for encroachers of flood-flow areas.

"Connectivity between different canals, waterbodies, and water channels should be restored. Appropriate demarcation of flood-flow zones is necessary as well and community engagement is also required to conserve these areas," he said.

Unless urgent action is taken, the city risks losing its remaining flood-flow zones, leaving its population exposed to unmanageable water crises in the years to come, experts warned.​

 

[Saif]

Flood victims need better support to rebuild lives

Government’s rehabilitation initiatives fall woefully short

www.thedailystar.net

Flood victims need better support to rebuild lives
Government’s rehabilitation initiatives fall woefully short

VISUAL: STAR

We are disappointed by the news of the lack of adequate support for those affected in recent floods, particularly in Noakhali and Feni. Reportedly, many people in these districts continue to live in uncertainty, with most of those who lost their homes yet to receive government assistance for rebuilding. According to data from the DC offices, over 90 percent of the population in Feni and Noakhali was impacted by the August floods last year. A study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) estimated the damage caused by the floods at approximately Tk 14,421.46 crore. Among the affected regions, Noakhali bore 29.07 percent of the total damage, followed by Cumilla at 23.51 percent, Feni at 18.61 percent, and Chattogram at 11.63 percent. Without a comprehensive post-flood rehabilitation plan and increased budget allocation for relief, the suffering of these communities will only deepen.

In Noakhali alone, some 1,28,300 houses were damaged, incurring losses of Tk 309.60 crore. In Feni, on the other hand, some 8,659 families lost their homes; among them, 1,798 houses were completely destroyed, while 6,941 were partially damaged. Despite these staggering figures, the government's rebuilding initiatives fall woefully short. Reports suggest that only 90 houses are being built in Noakhali and 110 in Feni under government programmes. While various national and international organisations have provided cash assistance, the scale of support is nowhere near sufficient to meet the overwhelming need.

As a result, many villagers are resorting to borrowing money from neighbours, NGOs, and banks to rebuild their homes. Many farmers, facing the dual loss of homes and crops, have been forced to abandon farming and take up day labour due to the lack of financial support for post-flood cultivation. Those attempting to re-cultivate their land are also struggling with the costs, with no government aid to ease their burden. Similarly, small business owners were also hit hard. Burdened by loans taken for rebuilding, farming or restarting businesses, flood victims are unsure how they will repay their debts.

We, therefore, urge the government to strengthen its post-flood assistance and rehabilitation efforts. It must provide financial aid to all who lost their homes, crops, and businesses due to the floods. Given their importance in ensuring the nation's food security, special attention should be given to farmers so that they can resume cultivation. The floods not only destroyed crops but also left farmlands covered in sand and saline water, rendering them infertile. Providing farmers with salinity-tolerant seeds suited to current conditions is thus imperative. The authorities must ensure that their support and intervention match the devastation wrought by the floods, and only then can all the affected communities rebuild their lives and livelihoods.​

 

[Saif]

Flood warning issued in six districts after heavy rainfall

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has issued a flood alert for six districts in the northeast and eastern regions of the country following heavy rainfall. According to a bulletin released by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Thursday, low-lying areas in Feni, Sylhet, S

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Flood warning issued in six districts after heavy rainfall

Published :
May 29, 2025 21:06
Updated :
May 29, 2025 21:06

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has issued a flood alert for six districts in the northeast and eastern regions of the country following heavy rainfall.

According to a bulletin released by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Thursday, low-lying areas in Feni, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrokona are at risk of flooding.

The Muhuri River in Feni is expected to rise above the danger level within the next two days due to continuous rainfall.

Other rivers in the Chattogram Division, including the Gomti and Feni, are also likely to swell, reports bdnews24.com.

While the Muhuri may crest above the danger mark, the BWDB forecasts that water levels in these rivers could begin receding after a day.

In the Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, rivers such as the Shari-Goyain, Jadukata, Manu, Dhalai, Khowai, and Someshwari are projected to rise over the next three days, potentially exceeding danger levels.

This increases the risk of flooding in adjacent low-lying areas across Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrokona.

In the Rangpur Division, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are also expected to rise in the coming days, with the Teesta likely to flow near the danger line.

Meanwhile, tidal surges may cause temporarily elevated water levels in coastal rivers across the Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions over the next two days.

The Surma and Kushiyara Rivers, although currently receding, are forecast to rise again within three days, but are expected to remain below danger levels.

Similarly, the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers are seeing a gradual decline, though their levels may begin to rise again within four days without crossing danger thresholds.

The Ganges river remains stable, while water in the Padma is slowly increasing.

Both are expected to continue rising over the next five days but are likely to remain below the danger threshold.​

 

[Saif]

The looming threat of floods

That floods in this deltaic plain are recurrent is no news. The news is that the timing of this type of natural calamity has changed remarkably. Floods and the monsoon are interlinked. Before the month of Ashar on the Bangla calendar, the onset of monsoon was unimaginable. But this unprecedented ph

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

The looming threat of floods

Neil Ray
Published :
Jun 02, 2025 00:13
Updated :
Jun 02, 2025 00:13

That floods in this deltaic plain are recurrent is no news. The news is that the timing of this type of natural calamity has changed remarkably. Floods and the monsoon are interlinked. Before the month of Ashar on the Bangla calendar, the onset of monsoon was unimaginable. But this unprecedented phenomenon now looks all set to become a reality. At a time when in mid-Jaistha, sweltering heat was the norm with hardly any rain, the country this year is experiencing an early monsoon brought ahead by at least two weeks. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has confirmed this. The heavy rains most of the country has witnessed over the past few days have threatened to cause floods in at least four districts in the north-eastern region of the country. Sunamganj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Netrakona districts are under threat of floods.

With the possibility of heavy rainfall continuing for five more days in the Sylhet region and mid-northern part of the country, the rivers there are likely to be in spate. The situation has been further complicated by the excessive rains in Mehgalaya where Cherrapunji is known for the heaviest rainfall in the whole world, which is located just on the other side of the border of north-eastern Bangladesh. To make the matter worse, excessive rainfall in that upper riparian Indian state comes rushing down the common rivers flowing between the two countries.

So, the country has to brace for floods in the making. Mercifully, though, this time Boro harvest in the haor areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj was completed earlier. For the last few years it had been a race against time for farmers to harvest the main crop of that area. The floods that caused extensive damage to standing Aman crop in wide areas of Feni and Cumilla in July-August last year actually had a negative impact on the country's food reserve. The newly installed interim government had to bear the brunt of this food shortage because millers and traders seized the opportunity of raising the staple price to a new level that still refuses to come down to the level before that astronomical price escalation.

Even if the projected floods strike after harvest of the main crop, the areas apprehended to fall under the calamity's sway will suffer a lot. The suffering will depend on the enormity of floods. Sylhet's sufferings due to floods last year was no less telling. The visitation of floods in the hilly areas is different from those in plain lands. Torrential rains conspire with rivers flowing in full spate to create strong currents that sweep everything ahead of those. On that count, damage to crops including vegetables, livestock and immovable property is far greater than in areas where flat plain can disperse the flow of waters to temper the speed.

The rains of the past few days have already made some impact on the market. Almost all kinds of vegetables have become dearer and if floods wreak havoc with such green crops, their price will shoot up triggering inflation that gave an indication of relenting during the past few months. Struggling to stay afloat, the country's economy will be in real danger if a natural calamity causes widespread disruptions to its agriculture. Last time the administrative response to various needs of the flood-stricken and displaced people was poor. Let the administrative apparatuses responsible for undertaking relief and rehabilitation works be kept ready for any eventuality for an early and effective response.

Climate has become capricious and the monsoon's arrival earlier than schedule speaks volume for the unexpected exigencies the government will have to handle. There should be more allocation for short-term relief and rehabilitation of people falling victim to river erosion, floods, storms and cyclones. The frequency of such Nature's convulsions including earthquake has become higher over the past few years. These may be considered an early warning for what the nations everywhere, particularly this calamity-prone country, are expected to encounter in the days to come. At a time when the pipeline of international aid has been drying up, the challenge will prove even more daunting than before.​

 

[Saif]

Flash flood vulnerability should be reduced

FLOODING from incessant rain caused by the recent depression in the Bay of Bengal has remained somewhat unchanged while the government’s disaster management and relief efforts are barely visible. Four of the five north-eastern rivers that were flowing above their danger marks further swelled, as...

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Flash flood vulnerability should be reduced
05 June, 2025, 00:00

FLOODING from incessant rain caused by the recent depression in the Bay of Bengal has remained somewhat unchanged while the government’s disaster management and relief efforts are barely visible. Four of the five north-eastern rivers that were flowing above their danger marks further swelled, as the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported in its last cycle on June 3. It is likely that rain would continue and some areas will remain flooded in the north-east. The onrush of water from the upstream region in India into these rivers has forced several hundred families to move to safety, also to flood shelter centres. The death toll from the flash flood and landslide has, meanwhile, already reached 15. Road connectivity and economic activities in the flood-hit areas have been disrupted. It is concerning that the government’s role has so far been limited to observing the disaster situation and issuing warnings, especially when flash floods from heavy rain became a cause for concern in the recent past.

Preventive efforts to minimise the loss of life and public suffering from heavy rainfall should have already been in place. That has not, however, been the case. In Sylhet, the government has opened flood shelters but was not prompt enough to relocate people living in areas at landslide risk. The death of four members of a family from landslides in Sylhet speaks of the government’s inaction. Emergency response to help to alleviate the sufferings of people is the need of the hour, but equally important it is to address the root cause of frequent flash flooding. Local leaders put the flash flood mainly down to the unplanned construction of roads and other infrastructure that, too, grabbing canals and blocking low-lying areas that could, otherwise, drain out floodwater. Such infrastructure also includes long stretches of rural roads that block water from receding. Coupled with this is the problem of waning capacity of the rivers and canals to deal with excess water flow coming from the upstream.

In this context, the government should immediately take steps to minimise the loss of life and public suffering in the north-eastern flood-affected areas. In doing so, it should take early steps to relocate people living in areas already identified as risky for landslides and arrange transport and shelter for people living in the worst-hit areas. More important, the government should ensure emergency food and cash aid for people directly affected by the flash flood and landslide from the heavy rainfall. It should also pull down road stretches and infrastructure that block the natural flow of floodwater and dredge the rivers to increase their capacity to flush out floodwater and collected rainwater.​

 

[Saif]

Low-lying areas face flood risk

Low-lying areas in some eastern and north-eastern areas might witness brief flooding by June 20 because of the very heavy rainfall likely to continue over vast swathes of land in Bangladesh and its adjacent upstream areas in India.

www.newagebd.net

Low-lying areas face flood risk
Maritime ports asked to hoist signal 3
Staff Correspondent 18 June, 2025, 00:09

Low-lying areas in some eastern and north-eastern areas might witness brief flooding by June 20 because of the very heavy rainfall likely to continue over vast swathes of land in Bangladesh and its adjacent upstream areas in India.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Tuesday afternoon forecast that the rivers of Muhuri, Sarigowain, Jadukata and Someswari might flow at their danger marks during the forecast period till June 20.

Low-lying areas in Feni, Sylhet, Sunamganj and Netrakona districts are at risk of going under water.

Bangladesh is witnessing intermittent light to moderate rainfall since June 15 due to active monsoon and the wet spell is likely to intensify following the formation of a low pressure area in the south-western Bangladesh and its adjacent areas.

On Tuesday, the BMD said, Bangladesh’s highest maximum rainfall of 118mm, in the 24 hours until 6:00pm, was recorded at Sitakunda in Chattogram.

Most of Bangladesh is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall amidst thunderstorms today and next three days, the BMD said in a forecast issued at 6:00pm Tuesday.

Potential heavy to very heavy rainfall may cause landslides in Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari and Cox’s Bazar, the BMD said.

Temporary waterlogging may also occur in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, it also said.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty wind, reaching up to 60kmph might occur over large parts of the country, prompting the BMD to issue Signal Number One for all river ports.

The active monsoon and thunder clouds lying over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas in the country might also leave the sea rough, the meteorological office said.

All four maritime ports have been asked to hoist cautionary Signal Number Three and all fishing boats and trawlers were asked to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

This is the second significant spell of rain since the monsoon onset in late May, earliest in the last four decades.

Dhaka recorded 38mm rainfall in the 24 hours until 6:00pm Tuesday.

The flood forecasting centre also warned that rivers in the country, particularly in south-eastern, eastern and north-eastern regions, might as well rapidly swell during its forecast period until June 20.​