Floods can worsen in late August
Water levels in different rivers of the country may rise again by the end of this month which may lead to fresh flooding in some areas.
"Rise in water levels may begin by the end of August and it may continue till mid-September," said Md Arifuzzaman, executive engineer of Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre.
However, there is no possibility of severe flooding at that time, he told The Daily Star today.
Normally, rivers see a slight swell between the end of August and mid-September ever year. This may happen this year too.
Replying to a question, Arifuzzaman said around 40 percent area of the country was inundated by flooding this year.
The duration was so long that the flood-hit people had to endure sufferings for about 45 days in phases, said the official.
Over 54 lakh people have so far been affected by floods in 165 upazilas under 33 districts across the country, according to the latest report of the National Disaster Response Coordination Centre (NDRCC).
The report on Monday said water levels in all major rivers, including the Padma, Jamuna, Brahmaputra and Kushiara, are showing a falling trend. This will improve the flood situation across the country.
People living in low-lying areas adjacent to the capital will get relief as the overall flood situation will also improve there.
However, seven rivers were flowing above the danger level at eight points across the country, said the report.
Over 40,000 people along with their livestock took shelter at flood shelter centres in different districts, said the FFWC report.
Our district correspondents reported that many cattle farmers and traders were in serious trouble as all the fields for grazing cattle went under water. For this reason, many farmers were selling their cattle at low prices.
Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension said this year's prolonged flooding has damaged crops worth about Tk 350 crore till mid-July.
Tens of thousands of farmers across the country suffered a double blow -- their crops being damage by floods and also their seedbeds.
Many farmers fear they will not be able to cultivate Aman paddy in the upcoming months as most of their seedbeds have been destroyed.
People whose houses have been damaged by floods are passing their days in hardship. They also don't have sufficient government relief and support for rehabilitation.
Most of them are struggling to earn their livelihoods, let alone manage money for repairing homes.
With floodwaters receding, waterborne diseases have started spreading in flood-hit areas. The victims have very poor access to medical facilities.
The government has formed 824 medical teams for providing treatment to the flood victims. Of them, 258 have already started their activities.
Comments