Flood: Teesta recedes, 9 more dists at risk

The only positive development in the onslaught of flood in Bangladesh, which has killed 16 people so far, is that the Teesta basin has receded below danger level.

But, the gush of water from Ganges and Brahmaputra upstream coupled with rain has pushed the water level over danger limit in 27 points, what was 25 points yesterday.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury has said, in parallel to the 20 districts already flooded, nine more are in risk of inundation.

"Our latest information is that 356 upazilas of 20 districts are now inundated. Nine more districts are in danger," he said in a press briefing at his office this morning.

Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre's Executive Engineer Sazzad Hossain told The Daily Star that the only positive development is the receding of Teesta and Dharla rivers.

"We expect Teesta will recede further," he said. Dharla river that flows through the northern district of Kurigram, where four people have died in flood, is also in a receding trend.

According to latest data, waters of Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Ganges-Padma and Surma-Khusiyara are likely to continue rising for the next 24 hours. Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts of light to moderate rain throughout Bangladesh in its forecast for the next 24 hours commencing from this morning.

Currently, the inundated districts include northern districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Sirajganj, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Naogaon, Sylhet belt’s Sylhet and Sunamganj, and Chittagong belt’s Rangamati and Khagrachhari.

Govt prepared to tackle flood: Minister

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya today expressed concern that many low-lying areas of Dhaka city may be inundated as flood situation is worsening in the country.

However, the minister said that the government is adequately prepared to tackle the flood situation across the country.

“We have enough food for supplies. We hope not even a single person will starve,” he said while addressing a press conference at Mohakhali Disaster Management Directorate in Dhaka.

Already over 367,000 people have been evacuated in the flood-hit districts and taken to shelter homes in the local vicinity, he said.

He said at least 56 upazilas of 20 districts have been affected by the flood where 4950 families have been taken to 562 shelter homes.

“Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is overseeing the overall situation and giving necessary instruction to salvage the flood victims,” he added.

The government has cancelled all leaves and vacations of the civil servants in the affected districts so that they can stand beside the flood people with necessary aids.