Flash floods, which can also be seen as political floods, were triggered by the sudden release of water from the Dumbur Dam upstream of the Gomti River in India's Tripura. These floods have ravaged several districts in the eastern and southeastern regions of Bangladesh. While it is true that heavy rainfall contributed to the flooding in these districts and that the situation in Tripura was dire, India's decision to open the dam without any prior notice demonstrates a shocking lack of consideration. How friendly is this behaviour from a neighbouring country that claims to be a 'reliable friend' of Bangladesh?
According to the press secretary of the chief adviser of the interim government, the flash floods have stranded at least 3.6 million people across 10 districts. The situation in Feni-particularly in the Chhagalnaiya, Phulgazi, and Parshuram upazilas-has been described as unprecedented, with nearly every home inundated. The situation is dire. At least 16 people have died, and several others are missing. The weather conditions are not conducive to rescue operations, leaving the people of these affected regions utterly helpless.
Undoubtedly, confronting this flash flood is a major challenge for the newly formed interim government. They are making efforts. Members of the Bangladesh Army have been deployed to rescue flood victims, and students, volunteers, and the general public are participating in rescue efforts and fundraising. Rescuing the stranded people is the top priority at this moment.
Fundraising and relief collection are ongoing. Life-saving equipment, including rescue boats, life jackets, and ropes, is in urgent need under the current flood conditions. Additionally, dry foods, saline, and clean drinking water are essential for those taking shelter. Besides these emergency relief items, hygiene products like sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups must be included, as menstruation does not stop during disasters. A packet of sanitary napkins can be a real blessing for the flood-affected girls and women.
We must stand together to help those affected by the floods. The united power of the student body was able to overthrow an autocratic regime. Now, we are in the latter part of the revolution.
We must maintain the collective spirit of our July revolution. This is Bangladesh 2.0. It is our motherland, our country; we must come forward to save our people. From 'Bloody July' to 'Floody August,' our revolution is ongoing and will continue.
Samia Jahan Shefa
Student of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department
Jashore University of Science and Technology
[email protected]
