Stand by Northern Flood Victims

Just as the devastating floods in the southeastern region of the country were beginning to recede, a severe flood has struck several districts in the northern region, including Sherpur and Mymensingh. Among these, Sherpur is in the worst condition. As per the latest reports, the flood situation in Sherpur has worsened due to the onrush of waters from upstream and heavy rainfall. The water levels in rivers have risen significantly, causing new areas to become submerged. So far, reports indicate that seven lives have been lost due to the floods.

On Sunday (October 6), news from various media revealed that since Saturday morning, Sherpur Sadar and six more unions in Nakla Upazila have been inundated. Reports of further areas being submerged are still coming in. As the hill waters continue to flow, the rivers Maharshi, Someshwari, Chellakhali, Bhogai, and Mrigi in Sherpur are flowing above the danger level, leading to a drastic deterioration in the overall flood situation. Currently, more than 200 villages across 28 unions in five upazilas of Sherpur have been flooded, affecting over 150,000 people who are now stranded.

The most regrettable news is that while there was an immediate and widespread response from the people of the country to the floods in the southeastern region, a similar response to the floods in the northern region is lacking. Volunteer organizations are relatively silent in their relief distribution and rescue efforts. What could be the reason for this? Why is there such neglect towards fellow citizens within the same country?

The reason may be that the floods in the southeastern region were sudden and such events rarely occur in those areas, leading to widespread panic. As a result, there was unprecedented responsiveness from volunteer organizations in rescuing flood victims and delivering emergency aid to affected areas. In contrast, floods in the northern region may be seen as a more familiar occurrence, which could explain the lack of urgency. However, this neglect is never acceptable. We must come together and support the flood victims in the northern region.

Another issue is that during the initial phase of the interim government formed after the mass uprising, the floods in the Feni-Comilla region were politicized by some. An anti-India sentiment emerged, claiming that the floods were caused by the release of water from several international rivers' dams within India. The current floods in the northern region are also due to the onrush of water from upstream, but this flooding is largely natural. The people of the northern region are accustomed to such floods during the monsoon season; such flooding is not unexpected for them. However, this year's flooding is excessive and much more severe than in previous years.

Therefore, regardless of regional differences or political affiliations, we must come together with a humanitarian appeal to support the flood victims in Sherpur, Mymensingh, and other northern areas. The government and volunteer organizations must play a significant role in this effort. We urge for a swift and stringent response to the flood situation in the northern region. Urgent measures should be taken to deliver relief supplies to the affected areas. We must rescue those stranded by the flood and ensure they receive food, clothing, medical assistance, and emergency services.