Triggered by several days of extremely heavy rains and onrush of waters from the upstream, the flash flooding impacts were compounded in Bangladesh’s northeast and eastern regions.
India is reportedly releasing water from the Dumboor hydroelectric project of Gumoti River basin.
Meanwhile, gushing water overtopped flood protection embankments, washed away parts of the embankments and many roads, cutting off many upazilas from road communication with their district headquarters.
The flood water swept away hundreds of fish and poultry farms, submerged thousands of hectares of agricultural land, and inundated parts of Dhaka-Chattogram highway.
Indeed, floods in Bangladesh have been one of our biggest challenges. What is disappointing is that, despite floods being a yearly occurrence, we continue to be caught off guard, leading to untold destruction and loss of property.
Eight districts of the country have already been flooded due to heavy rains and onrush of water from the upstream.
The eight districts are Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni, Chattogram, Noakhali, Cumilla and Khagrachhari.
Bangladesh has been hit by sudden floods, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in these districts cut off from water and electricity.
Climate experts have warned that this year’s rainfall could be higher than usual, leading to potential flooding.
This flooding has become a significant humanitarian disaster for our country.
They indicated that “El Niño” had weakened and “La Niña” had become active, signalling the onset of heavy rains in the region.
They also highlighted that the monsoon would be stronger in most South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, with increased rainfall expected in traditionally heatwave-affected areas.
The disaster management and relief ministry at a briefing yesterday revealed that 357 unions of eight districts have been flooded, causing death of two persons, one in Feni’s Fulgazi upazila and the other in Brahmanbaria.
It said the flood has marooned 440,840 families and affected over 2.9 million people.
According to media reports, scores of flood shelters were opened in educational institutions and other government offices in the flood affected areas.
We urge the authorities concerned to prioritise relief efforts, implement preventive measures and address the issues contributing to the recurring floods in the country.
The well-to-do people should also come forward in aid of the flood-hit victims.
