Timely measures needed to protect people from severe flood damage

The monsoon season has just begun and already, flooding has been forecast in various parts of the country.

Due to upstream floods and heavy rains, some rivers are already flowing above the danger level.
Farmers in char areas are worried that their farmlands will be submerged.

The Meteorological Department has said that heavy rains are likely to occur in different parts of the country in the next few days.

On the other hand, like every year, there is a threat of floods in Sylhet this year too. It goes without saying that the situation may deteriorate further.

According to the department, the water of rivers in Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Rangpur districts is flowing above the danger level.

The water of these rivers is increasing rapidly due to the hilly discharge coming down from upstream. To deal with the situation, all 44 water gates have been opened at Dhalia Point of Teesta Barrage.

Regarding the flood situation in Sylhet, it has been said that the water level of the rivers in this region is still below the danger level, but there is a possibility of heavy rains for the next few days. This poses a big risk of the water level of the rivers exceeding the danger level.

Huge crop damage, death of livestock makes many people completely destitute. In comparison, we are not that prepared to deal with flood situations.

The dams that have been built to prevent floods are also in a state of lack of maintenance. The embankments of the Water Development Board in the coastal Shyamnagar and Ashashuni upazilas of Satkhira have been in a risky condition for a long time.

Now, small erosions have occurred at least 40 points. The situation is so dire that the local Goaldanga market is almost on the verge of disappearing due to erosion.

It is true that we have no control over the upstream flow. There is no way to control the rain either. But if the navigability of the country’s rivers is increased, the water can go down quickly. Even if the dams are durable, they will provide a lot of protection in the risky areas.

Experts believe that proper planning is essential so that the necessary shelters and flood-affected people can overcome the situation quickly.

We believe that the flood forecast at the beginning of the monsoon season means that the situation will be even worse during the heavy monsoon season. For this, the government needs to make advance and sustainable preparations to avoids any severe disaster..