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Comprehensive flood management in Bangladesh requires inordinate focus

Published : Tuesday, 16 July, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 407
MIR MOSHARREF HOSSAIN PAKBIR
Bangladesh is situated on the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, making it one of the most flood-prone regions in the world. Similarly like previous years, Bangladesh is strongly hit by prolonged floods in 2024 though the full rainy season is yet to arrive. Flood in Bangladesh immensely hurts its economy and environment. However due to several issues like, anti-quota protests and teachers movement against universal pension scheme, the issue of current floods at different regions is unfortunately not gaining much focus. Nevertheless, this natural disaster deserves much more attention and requires speedy comprehensive actions.

Floods submerge around 55-60% of Bangladesh every year. The situation has escalated dramatically due to the intensifying impacts of control of 54 rivers at upstream as well as climate change, demanding an urgent and comprehensive response on a global scale. Over half of the countrys population is exposed to high flood risks as we stand at the crossroads of a crisis with grave humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences due to both man-made and natural factors. Moreover, as climate change accelerates, Bangladeshs difficulty will intensify.

Floods have been a recurring natural disaster in Bangladesh, influencing the socio-economic fabric of the nation. Historically, significant floods were recorded in 1954, 1955, 1974, 1987, 1988, and 1998. Due to recurring floods, the inhabitants of flood-prone areas learnt to cope with this disaster to an extent. Stations of volunteer organizations, sheltering centers etc. are also present at those areas. But in recent years, floods in Bangladesh are not caused by monsoon rain or climate change only.

Bangladesh is located at the downstream of 54 shared rivers and our neighbor India is at the upstream. As India is trying to contain and control these 54 rivers, water is overflowing from new leakage points throughout the large boundary we share with India and that is causing floods at different newer zones of Bangladesh. These floods are unscheduled and occur suddenly without allowing the inhabitants of those areas to take any precaution. Additionally, due to urbanization, water containment capacity has decreased in Bangladesh, worsening the flood situation.

In recent years, Bangladesh continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of floods due to this river controlling at the upstream, exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization. In 2017, according to the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), around 8 million people were affected in floods with estimated economic damage of around USD 280 million. The floods of 2019 affected 21 districts and more than 7 million people and caused an economic loss of USD 116 million.

According to the report of Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC), floods swamped 33 districts, affected around 5.4 million people and damaged over 100,000 houses and over 300,000 hectares of agricultural land in 2021. The economic loss was at USD 500 million. The flood in 2022, exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains and the overflowing of major rivers, affected 18 districts and nearly 4 million people with economic loss of around USD 250 million. Floods affected 25 districts and around 9 million people in 2023. The economic impact of the 2023 floods is preliminary estimated at losses exceeding USD 600 million.

Since the arrival of the monsoon season in 2024, Bangladesh has been affected by heavy flooding including tropical cyclone REMAL on 27 May and since 28 May, heavy rainfall in Indias hill regions, particularly Meghalaya and Assam, has caused flash floods in North-East region of Bangladesh. While the situation was improving, harsh downpours inside the country, as well as adjoining northeastern India from 16 June, have further intensified the situation, leading to the second spell of devastating floods that severely impacted several upazilas in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts. Around 2.5 million people across Bangladesh have been affected in the third wave of flooding since May.

Bangladeshs location in the GBM Delta makes it inherently prone to flooding. The confluence of these major rivers creates a vast floodplain, susceptible to overflow during monsoon seasons.  The annual monsoon season, spanning from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, which often leads to river overflow and flooding. In recent years, climate change has intensified these rains, increasing the frequency and severity of floods. Especially, controlling of 54 rivers at the upstream India worsened the situation.

Simultaneously, siltation of riverbeds reduces the water-carrying capacity of rivers, leading to overflow during heavy rains. This is exacerbated by deforestation and land use changes upstream, which increase sediment flow into rivers. Moreover, rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage infrastructure contribute to urban flooding. Climate change has led to erratic weather patterns, including increased rainfall intensity and glacial melt. Rising sea levels also pose a threat to Bangladeshs coastal regions, exacerbating the risk of flooding.

The socio-economic impacts of floods in Bangladesh are profound and multifaceted in Bangladesh. Floods result in significant loss of lives and displacement of people. Agriculture, a primary livelihood for many in Bangladesh, is severely impacted by floods. Crop losses lead to food shortages and increased prices, worsening food insecurity. Livestock losses further compound the economic impact. Flood causes extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, straining the countrys financial resources. Floodwaters often lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

Most importantly, the economic losses from floods are immense. Recovery efforts require significant financial investment, diverting resources from other critical areas of development. Floods not only negatively impact the national economy but also hurt the lives of marginalized populace. This natural disaster also calls for huge relief effort, which is not sufficient at most instances.

Addressing the challenges posed by floods in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive approach involving mitigation and adaptation strategies. As Bangladesh is located at the downstream of 54 rivers and India is at the upstream, the River Commissions of both the countries need to take account of the crisis and our long term ally India need to come forward to solicit the river control issues for the sake of Bangladeshi people and the development of the region.

The investment behind building dams or embankments are often proved useless as it creates char areas through siltation and during monsoon, these areas are flooded, destroying any livelihood there. Moreover, while the embankments are stopping the water flow at upstream, the water is tracing out new routes to flow to create new troubles for Bangladesh. Hence, to mitigate the flood problem, Bangladesh first and foremost requires cooperation and good intent from India.

Enhancing flood forecasting and early warning systems, investing in resilient infrastructure, such as flood embankments, drainage systems, and flood shelters, can reduce the impact of floods. Regular dredging of rivers and proper silt management can increase the water-carrying capacity of rivers. This requires coordinated efforts between upstream and downstream countries in the GBM basin. Planting trees and restoring forests can help reduce soil erosion, sedimentation in rivers and mitigate climate change impacts.

Moreover, empowering communities to implement locally appropriate adaptation measures is crucial. This includes building flood-resistant housing, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and raising awareness about flood risks and preparedness. Given the trans-boundary nature of rivers in the GBM basin, international cooperation is essential for effective flood management. Collaborative efforts between Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan can enhance data sharing, joint planning, and coordinated responses to flooding.

There is heavy requirement of sheltering centers considering the recurring flood pattern of Bangladesh in new areas. Due to the upstream flow from India, the flood cannot be avoided in the near future also. Though we heavily expect our neighbor to ensure water flow during the dry season and control water flow in the monsoon, due to their own interests, it seems that expectation will not be fulfilled. Hence, we need to create solutions that can serve us for years to support the whole effected populace. Moreover, we need to strengthen our communication with donors including rich local businessmen to generate greater funds for the flood-affected people.

The current flood situation in Bangladesh as well as the expected flood in the upcoming rainy season requires heavy relief effort. In the past, the students or to be more precious, the youth engaged strongly in such efforts. But due to the ongoing protests, their focus is diverted. It seems the government cannot also focus on this issue properly. But, to solicit the damage, we hope, all, especially the youth will focus on this crisis and will strongly participate in helping the fellow countrymen for the sake of the welfare of the whole country.

The historical and recent data highlight the urgent need for comprehensive flood management and mitigation strategies in Bangladesh. Collaborative efforts at national and international levels are essential to build a resilient and sustainable future for the people of Bangladesh. We hope the relevant authorities will treat this issue as urgent considering the upcoming rainy season.

The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla


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