It is alarming to note that the flood situation in 11 districts of the country is expected to deteriorate. Reportedly, at present, the waters of 10 rivers are flowing over the danger level at 22 points. It is worth mentioning that the lowland areas of 15 districts have been inundated by flood and people from flood-affected areas have already been forced to leave their homes.
The dexterity that has been executed by Bangladesh in the last several years in disaster preparedness deserves plaudits. But the ongoing situation certainly exposes our vulnerability to fight against flood and river erosion. According to media sources, it is envisaged that around 30 percent of Bangladesh's land area is set to be inundated in the coming days.
Adequate relief and funds
should be allocated for flood
and river erosion victims
It is feared that the erosion and loss would increase if the authority don’t take effective steps in this regard. Therefore, the government and NGOs should take immediate steps to reduce the volume of the effects of riverbank erosion. The authorities concerned should immediately construct embankments along the rivers to protect the local people from erosion. Also, adequate relief and funds should be allocated for the flood-affected people and river erosion victims.
We hope the government and the authorities concerned will take further steps to prevent the erosion permanently. The rivers of the country require capital dredging. But, there is no sign of such steps. Therefore, immediate actions should be taken to this end. But for now, authorities concerned should take necessary measures to rehabilitate the affected people and provide them with financial support. Besides, we should all stand beside the river erosion victims and work together to rehabilitate them.
There is no denying that our country is currently lacking in resources to stand against flood and river erosion. However, we believe with proper implementation of new technologies, we can save lives, properties and assets and limit the grave consequences of river erosion.
