EARLY signs of an impending flood have been around the corner, with 35,000 people having already been stranded in three northern districts. Heavy rain and India鈥檚 opening of all gates of the Gazaldoba barrage are said to have worsened the situation, leaving areas freshly inundated. Official accounts say that about 25,000 families in 35 villages in Lalmonirhat stay marooned as the river height of the Teesta at Hatibandha in the district was flowing on August 14 18 centimetres above the danger mark. Besides, about 10,000 families in Chapainawabganj and Rajshahi are stranded, with low-lying areas having gone under water as the height of the River Padma has increased although the river was on August 14 flowing 56 centimetres below the danger mark. The river heights have increased because of heavy rainfall and the onrush of water from upstream. The Water Development Board, which says that it has opened 44 sluice gates at the Teesta Barrage point, warns that heavy rainfall upstream might continue in the region for two to three days, which could worsen the flood situation in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha and Kurigram.
The situation could be grave, with maritime ports having been asked to hoist local cautionary signal 3, which means that the ports could be affected by squally weather, after a low that had developed over the west central bay, and with a forecast for very heavy rainfall in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions. Although a small number of people have for now been affected, the situation might worsen if the government fails to take steps in time. Crops, including transplanted aman, have been submerged. People are reported to be struggling with their livestock and poultry birds as there is no dry land to keep them safe. Many are reported to have failed to cook food for days because of the flooding. The situation warrants an early government intervention and preparedness as people, especially people with special needs and the elderly have been trapped in floodwater. The people affected, in Rajshahi for two to three days but in Lalmonirhat for more than five days, are in need of relief supplies, especially food, drinking water and medicines. In the recent past, inadequate efforts on part of the government to minimise the sufferings of the people affected by flood questioned the government鈥檚 sincerity and the people continued to suffer.
The government should, in such a situation, readily start coming to the aid of the people affected by the flood. Whilst it should remain prepared if the flooding situation worsens, it should also gear up to remain prepared to do what it should do for an effective post-flooding rehabilitation.
