Millions affected as flood situation worsens in the north

It is worrying to see that the ongoing severe flood in several northern districts, including Kurigram and Gaibandha, due to continuous rainfall and onrush of water from upstream, has made millions of people marooned and their lives miserable.

According to media reports, vast low-lying areas have been inundated due to the rise in the water levels of the Teesta, Brahmaputra, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers.

The victim families have taken shelter on the embankment and other high places.

They are in dire need of food, water, medicines and other essential supplies.

The authorities should immediately address the issues like supply of food for the flood victims.

Besides, many people of the flood-affected districts in Rangpur division are waiting to be rescued from their submerged houses.

Many flood-hit people say no one has come to them with any assistance or relief yet.

Who knows how long their miseries will continue. What is unfortunate is that many people who are shuttling from one place to another for some food for the day are returning empty-handed.

The situation has been unbearable for the victims in some areas, especially in the north and the north-east, who have been facing flooding for the third time now.

The government has so far allocated Tk 28.5 million in cash, 8,500 tonnes of rice, 57,500 packets of dry food and Tk 4 million in cash each for food for infants and fodder.

The cash allocated comes down to only Tk 14 per flood victim. Local representatives, shamed and embarrassed, are reported to be trying not to face the victims.

Even a union parishad chairman in Lalmonirhat says that he was hiding from the people.

As the frequency and intensity of floods are increasing and are likely to be exacerbated by climate change, proactive measures, rather than reactive response will better safeguard lives and property.

Today is never too soon, tomorrow may be too late. The government needs to act right now.