The heavy rain coupled with onrush of water from upstream may cause moderate floods in north-east parts of the country this week, the flood forecasting and warning centre (FFWC) forecasts. Low-lying areas of different parts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj and Moulvi Bazar district are likely to be inundated due to onrush of hilly water and swelling of rivers caused by torrential rains for the last four days.
Water started to enter many low-lying areas and haor areas due to the rise in water levels of many rivers. Last year, the residents of these districts especially Sylhet had experienced a devastating flood as most of the area of the district went under floodwater while many dwelling houses were damaged, causing immense sufferings to thousands of people.
The water levels in the Kushiara and the Surma Rivers are close to the danger level and may cross it if water levels rise further, (FFWC) further says. According to the local weather observatory centre, the rains may continue for 15 more days and if rains and onrush of water from upstream continue for a few more days moderate flood may hit the region this week.
The government must repair
vulnerable embankments on
an emergency basis
However, the local administration has taken all necessary measures. Besides, the authorities concerned have been asked to keep all shelter centres prepared. But, several lakh people may be marooned if the heavy downpour and onrush of hilly water continue. Crop lands, fisheries, households, business establishments, educational institutions as well as roads will also either be damaged or affected badly.
The flood and flash flood destroy the crops especially in seven haor districts- Kishoreganj, Netrakona, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sylhet and Brahmanbaria every year. Farmers of these areas are the worst sufferers as flash flood pushes them into extreme poverty every year.
We apprehend flood may occur in the low-lying areas of these districts as onrush of upstream waters coupled with moderate to very heavy downpours continue till date. The onrush of upstream waters coupled with moderate to very heavy downpours also breach embankments submerging the habitats.
As these existing embankments have already lost their capacity they cannot protect people’s lives and properties effectively. The government must repair vulnerable embankments on an emergency basis.
The government will also have to enhance participatory embankment construction with collaboration of local authorities.
Emergency embankments will have to be built in those areas to protect people and their farm lands filled with crops immediately. Keeping the devastation caused by the flood in mind, the government should remain ready with all-out measures to face the catastrophe.
