[🇧🇩] Smart Flood Management for Bangladesh

[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

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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