[🇧🇩] Smart Flood Management for Bangladesh

[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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.​