Deadly flash floods in Sylhet and Sunamganj

FE Team | Published: June 20, 2024 21:17:00

The flash floods that have deluged Sylhet and Sunamganj districts unveil deep-seated vulnerabilities and systemic failures in disaster preparedness and response. This calamity has not only displaced and marooned tens of thousands but also brought to light the urgent need for more robust flood management and community resilience strategies. The floodwaters, originating from upstream and exacerbated by seasonal rains, have caused untold sufferings to people in the affected areas in Sylhet and Sunamganj. Despite a slight fall in the water levels in certain areas during the last two days, the situation still remains dire. Important rivers in the region, including the Surma and the Kushiyara, continue to flow well above their danger levels. Specifically, the Surma at the Kanaighat point is 44 cm above the danger level, and the Kushiyara at the Amalshid point in Zakiganj upazila is 13 cm above the threshold.
The overflowing rivers have engulfed vast swathes of land including homes, schools, roads, and agricultural fields across 48 unions in both districts. Floodwaters have trapped approximately 658,000 people in low-lying areas, despite evacuation operation that have reportedly relocated 80,000 people to safer grounds. This massive displacement has created acute shortages of food and drinking water, highlighting the inadequacy of the current relief measures. The 547 shelters set up by the district administration are currently housing only about 3,739 people, leaving the vast majority of affected villagers without refuge. The struggle for survival in the inundated areas is compounded by the collapse of essential services and the looming threat of outbreaks of diseases due to contaminated water and poor sanitation.
The response to this crisis has been hampered by significant shortcomings in preparedness and execution. Flash floods are a recurring phenomenon in Sylhet and its neighbouring regions, yet the local government's response has been sluggish and uncoordinated. The seasonal nature of these floods, often resulting from heavy rains and upstream water flow, should have prompted better preparedness. Instead, the current situation reflects a stark failure in anticipating and mitigating the impact of the disaster. A critical aspect of this failure is the ineffective flood management infrastructure. Despite significant investments in large flood protection embankments designed to safeguard the haor regions of greater Sylhet and Mymensingh from pre-monsoon flash floods, these structures are pathetically vulnerable to onrushing waters from upstream.
The flash floods in Sylhet and Sunamganj underscore a recurring challenge for the region, one that demands a robust and multi-faceted response. The foremost priority now is to ensure delivery of food, clean water, and medical supplies to the stranded populations. With many communities cut off due to flooded roads and washed-out bridges, emergency solutions are needed to reach those in need. The capacity of existing shelters must be expanded to accommodate more people. Additionally, there is a need for temporary housing solutions and the establishment of more accessible and safer evacuation routes. Medical teams and supplies should be deployed to address immediate health concerns and prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Providing clean drinking water and maintaining sanitation facilities are critical to avoiding a secondary crisis.