Weak forecasting of floods

SINCE the sudden start of heavy downpour we have seen that the met office has been giving different types of predictions about weather. They said there is no possibility of floods. But already many parts of the country are experiencing heavy floods. Many people were made homeless and standing crops were washed away. Meteorologists have already started talking about the possibility of extensive flooding this year. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre seems rather reluctant to make any prediction as to what would be the intensity or scope of the flood this year.
The centre may not be adequately equipped, both in terms of personnel and equipment, to make such predictions. Forecasting is an integral component of the overall flood management exercise and thus it makes little sense not to enhance the centre's capacity. Regrettably, the successive governments have made little effort to upgrade the country's flood forecasting and warning system in line with the changing pattern of weather and climate. Flood is a reality that the country has to live with as it has done for so many centuries. So the focus should be on mitigation of various sorts of damage wrought by floods to an affordable limit. The stronger the forecasting and warning system, the more effective the disaster management activities.
Kabir Ahmed
Dhanmandi R/A, Dhaka