A new era of natural disasters looming?

Atiqul Kabir Tuhin | Published: August 24, 2024 20:14:44

Exceptional heavy rains and unprecedented water flows from upstream have inundated large areas of eastern Bangladesh threatening life, causing untold chaos and profound concern, and seemingly heralding what to many may seem like the world is ending. Millions of people are marooned, suffering immeasurably and praying for divine help.
At least 16 people so far have been killed and 4.8 million affected by the worst flooding in decades in the eastern region. Eleven districts have been impacted, including Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Brahmanbaria, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.
The district of Feni is completely submerged, with most houses gone underwater, and mobile networks, rail and road communication cut off. Many roads, dams, and bridges have been severely damaged or totally destroyed. Crop fields are submerged and their crops are ruined. Whatever chance of survival people had including livestock, has been lost. Chicken, cattle, goats, and other livestock have been washed away. The magnitude of their material loss is immense; however, at the moment, more important is to save their lives.
According to Indian media, as the flood situation worsened in the Indian state of Tripura, one of the three gates of the large Dumbur Reservoir in Tripura's Dhalai district was opened. It is claimed this gate is opened when there is massive water build-up and abnormal water pressure. It is standard practice to notify downstream countries beforehand, allowing them to prepare and take necessary measures to mitigate the oncoming flood situation it creates.
According to media reports, however, India failed to inform Bangladesh before opening the gate, which is a violation of international norms. The action has been widely criticised and condemned in Bangladesh and has sparked demonstrations by students in various locations, including Dhaka.
Added to the sorrowful woes of the flood victims there is negligible and insufficient aid at the ready as the administration was totally off-guard and was not prepared to tackle the situation. Flood victims -senior citizens, men, women and children - in temporary shelters urgently require food, drinking water and medical supplies. Relief efforts must be intensified without delay to address their urgent needs.
The first priority now should be to save people's lives threatened by the flood. They need to be airlifted by helicopter or by whatever means of transport are available and taken to safe areas, where they should be provided with shelter, food, and medication.
Fortunately, people from various walks of life are responding. Many boats have been sent, and volunteers have travelled to flood-affected areas to provide food and financial assistance. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and BGB have also participated in rescue operations. As water recedes, outbreaks of waterborne diseases are feared, and the health department needs to remain vigilant in this regard.
It should be obvious to all that the recurring floods in Sylhet and Northern districts and this unprecedented and unnatural flood in the eastern region underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to flood management. Increasing the navigability of rivers, restoring natural drainage systems, and preventing encroachments on waterways are some crucial steps that need to be taken to ensure that water can flow unimpeded. A long-term, sustainable plan is needed to protect all rivers across the country from encroachment and pollution. Yearly allocations for river dredging have proven ineffective because they're never done. As the frequency and intensity of floods are increasing and are likely to be exacerbated by climate change, proactive measures, rather than reactive responses, will better safeguard lives and property.
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