Emergency preparations necessary to face risk of flood

Due to continuous heavy rainfall for a few days, some districts are in the face of severe flooding. Already, severe flooding has occurred in some districts like Khagrachari, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Mymensingh, Feni and Barishal. About 40 villages of Feni have been submerged due to overflowing water of Mahuri river putting hundreds of thousands of people trapped in the water.

Today (Saturday, August 3), the Meteorological Department has forecasted that continuous rainfall may continue for another 10 days. Low pressure has appeared in the Bay of Bengal. Seaports have been asked to display danger signal number 3. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center said that the water level has risen in 64 out of 110 points of various rivers under their monitoring. The waters of the rivers in the northern region are close to the oceanic limit. As a result, the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumari, Ghaghat, Jamunashwari, upper Karatoa, Punarbhaba, Tangan, Ichamati, Jamuna and upper Atrai rivers in this region are in danger of flooding.

The rivers in the southern part of the country are also in danger as water level of those rivers may cross the danger level at any time. Presumably, most of the districts of the country will be affected by floods in mid-August. Considering the situation, urgent measures should be taken now. The country is already in a state of emergency due to the anti-quota movement. The communication system is not normal yet. As a result, there is a problem in bringing and taking the daily necessities. Medical services for many are being disrupted. In this context, if flood occurs in the country, people will face a worsened situation.

There is fear in the public mind about the ongoing political situation. People from low-income group are worried about what to eat and how to survive. Many are now unemployed. Those who earn their livelihood day to day will have to spend days without food. So, the government should take urgent measures without any delay. Food reserves should be kept in areas where there is a risk of flooding. Safe water should be provided. Necessary medical care should also be continued.

If necessary, people should be evacuated from flooded areas to safer places. Special security arrangements should be made for children, women and the elderly. Along with this, appropriate measures should be taken to protect crops and livestock.

The overall situation of the country should be normalised as soon as possible before the flood becomes dire. Communication systems should be normalised now so that people can do all the necessary works. Along with the government, people should also be aware of this.

Otherwise, there will be a risk of massive loss of life due to slight negligence. We want the government to take necessary measures right now to protect people's lives and property. The government should issue urgent instructions to the administration and authorities concerned immediately.