From June to September the rainy season usually extends its reign in riverine Bangladesh. Rivers and canals, houses, lands, and many other places go underwater during the rainy season. During the monsoon, the main rivers and tributaries of Bangladesh flow in relatively high-water levels due to the combined effect of melted Himalayan glaciers and rainwater, which eventually turns into floods. The northern part of Bangladesh is mostly gets affected by floods. Water flows beyond the danger level. As a result, the people of the flooded areas have to live miserable lives. What can we do to stay safe or at least reduce the loss due to floods? Let’s get to know about some essential flood-safety measures we can take before, during, after a flood in Bangladesh.
Pre-flood safety measures
Bangladesh has already made significant progress and capabilities in dealing with the flood situation. The country has shown this success, especially in flood management. But several crises are still there, where the authorities need to focus on.
There are limitations in taking important initiatives, collective action, inefficiency in the proper and effective use of resources, taking up challenges in crisis, especially in the overall flood situation of the country, including backwardness. Currently, the flood situation and waterlogging problems are increasing day by day in the urban areas of Bangladesh too.
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Flood forecasting and early warning systems need to be made faster, more modern, and stronger. It should have the participation of important personalities of the local society. Moreover, we need to ensure greater involvement of the Bangladesh Water Development Board. It is important to involve various social organizations and local governments in flood and rainwater control in areas prone to floods and monsoon rains. We should also try to involve people from other areas and professions who are interested in working on risk management.
In particular, additional alternative initiatives need to be taken to deal with the floods. It is important to provide priority to come forward to deal with floods on an emergency basis at different stages. Furthermore, plans must also be taken on an urgent basis. The implemented initiatives should be evaluated and updated at least once a year. Upon identifying the risk areas, we need to understand our ability in the risk areas.
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Involving the NGOs in the relevant sectors in the formation of emergency funds is also necessary. At the same time, ensure their accountability in the work assigned by the government.
On the other hand, the authorities need to make arrangements to save flood relief and rehabilitation equipment. This includes adequate storage, tin, sack, bamboo, wood, tent-making equipment, life jackets, water purifiers or other procedures, emergency medical supplies, liquid and dry food, drinking water, clothing, and temporary latrines. Ensuring a proper supply of essential items including drainage system, kerosene oil, hurricane, lamp, light, charge light, installation of tube wells, pipes, and transport, etc.
The number of relief and rescue workers needs to be further increased. In particular, training sessions are needed to be organized for these flood relief workers to acquire practical skills in various areas including water control, evacuation of victims.
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In addition, it is important to adopt state-of-the-art technology, concept, and practical-economic analysis and action plan for the overall flood response situation, including river management, river protection, flood control, and rehabilitation of the affected.
Vita, tube well, the toilet should be raised as far as possible in advance. In this case, the level of the floodwater of the past should be kept in mind.
