[🇧🇩] Smart Flood Management for Bangladesh

[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.

www.thedailystar.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Flood victims need better support to rebuild lives

Government’s rehabilitation initiatives fall woefully short

www.thedailystar.net

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

VISUAL: STAR

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Flood warning issued in six districts after heavy rainfall

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

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Flood warning issued in six districts after heavy rainfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

The looming threat of floods

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

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

The looming threat of floods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Flash flood vulnerability should be reduced

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

www.newagebd.net

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Low-lying areas face flood risk

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

www.newagebd.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Flood threat looms over Feni as Muhuri river swells 137cm above danger level

Four breaches occurred in Parshuram upazila and three in Fulgazi

www.thedailystar.net

Flood threat looms over Feni as Muhuri river swells 137cm above danger level

Continuous rainfall and upstream water from India have triggered a sharp rise in river levels across Feni, prompting fears of renewed flooding in the district.

At 9:00pm today, Executive Engineer of the Feni Water Development Board Akter Hossain Majumder confirmed that the Muhuri river was flowing 137cm above the danger mark, with breaches reported at seven points along flood control embankments on the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia rivers.

Of these, four breaches occurred in Parshuram upazila and three in Fulgazi.

Photo: Collected

Local officials said the embankments are under increasing pressure as water levels continue to rise. Earlier in the day, a section of road along the Muhuri river in Fulgazi collapsed, submerging nearby shops and severing road connectivity between Fulgazi Bazar and Rajeshpur.

In response, the district administration has declared all primary and secondary schools as emergency shelters, said Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam.

Most educational institutions have suspended classes and exams temporarily, although no directive has yet been issued regarding ongoing HSC board exams.

Heavy rainfall began last afternoon and has since inundated Feni town. Streets in several neighbourhoods -- including Shaheed Shahidullah Kaiser Road, Rampur Shaheen Academy, Pathan Bari, Nazir Road, Shanti Company Road, and Petrobangla -- are submerged under 2-3 feet of water, causing severe waterlogging and disrupting daily life.

Residents, particularly day labourers and transport workers, are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

"We haven't recovered from last year's flood damage," said auto-rickshaw driver Belayet Hossain. "If this rain continues, we'll face another disaster."

Fulgazi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Faria Islam reported that two shops were swept away when the embankment near Rajeshpur collapsed around 7:00am today. Road access to the village remains cut off.

Meanwhile, Feni Sadar UNO Sultana Nasrin Kanta said that midterm exams have been suspended in several schools due to rising water levels.

"We've issued notices to affected institutions, but no update has come from the education board regarding board exams," she added.​