THE overall flood situation in the country’s some north and north-eastern districts, including Nilphamari, Kurigram, Rangpur Lalmonirhat and Sunamganj, remained unchanged yesterday. The water level in the rivers of Brahmaputra, Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar fell slightly but several hundred villages have still remained inundated keeping thousands of people marooned. Newspaper reports said flood victims are facing acute shortage of food and drinking water. Many people have taken shelter on government roads. A flood shelter and a government primary school in Char Kharuya village under Sadar Upazila are under threat of collapse. If these two buildings collapse, the people of Char Kharuya, Char Boalmari, Char Bansh Pochai, Majher Char, Jatiner Char and Char Gorokmandol will badly suffer, said Mogholhat Union Parishad Chairman Habibur Rahman.
Incessant rains for the last few days and water flow from hills have caused the pre-monsoon flash flood. Due to rising of river water level, the cultivating lands and fishing farms have gone under water. Especially, the road communication has been disrupted severely. Most of the schools and other educational institutions have been kept closed after flood victims took shelter there. Earlier, the hill district of Bandarban was severely affected due to flood. Now the northern parts are experiencing its adverse impact. Against this backdrop, the Water Development Board has cancelled regular holidays of all staff, except hajj goers, till September to tackle the situation.
Experts apprehend that, this year the flood situation may be turned worse and wide spreading. They have urged the government to take necessary measures at the very beginning. The farmers of flood-hit districts will not be able to reap harvest – Aus, IRRI, Ropa — in this season. Even in many areas, the farmers are facing shortage of cattle feed while it becomes a big challenge for them to save the life of cattle too.
At this stage, the Upazila Administration will have to bear highest responsibility. They must ensure supply of enough food and other essential materials to the flood victims. These village people also need all-out cooperation for their post-flood rehabilitation. The government must take adequate measures to save the victims.
