Bangladesh is an agricultural-based country. Industrial development is still in its initial stage, although it has started long before. So, the country’s people are still fed by the produce received from agriculture. The country is also one of the forefront victims of global climate change. Moreover, it is seriously affected by pandemic COVID 19 (Corona virus-induced illness).
The country is divided into different ecological zones. The north-eastern part of the country is rich in producing staple food like rice and many other seasonal vegetable crops. So this area contributes a lot to the national economy of the country.
Owing to the global climate change, Bangladesh has been experiencing various natural calamities almost every year, such as cyclones, flash floods, storm surge, water surge and extreme weather events, etc. This year the north-eastern parts of the country including 12 districts are seriously affected by climate change. This year all along the area was hit by 3 big floods consecutively which claimed the lives and livelihoods of peasant people living generation by generation in those areas. They used to live by agriculture and fisheries.
This flash flood which hit the ecologically important areas was caused by excessive rainfalls and mountain onrush in the upstream areas in neighbouring India, and also heavy downpours within the country itself.
Flooding in north-eastern Bangladesh has affected over 15 million people, including 1.8 million children, according to a local survey here in Bangladesh.
Flooding in north-eastern Bangladesh started first in April and successively in May and June 2022, in total, three times. There is a possibility for further flooding in September-October 2022.
Flooding mainly began following a prolonged period of heavy rainfall in Bangladesh and catchment areas in neighbouring areas in India from around 9 May 2022 for the second time. On 16 May 2022, rivers including the Surma and the Kushiyara in Sylhet Division in north-eastern Bangladesh jumped above the danger mark.
The Kushiyara river at one point reached 17.15 meters on 19 May, well above the danger mark of 15.40 meters. The river Surma at Sylhet reached 11.25 meters on the same day, above the danger mark of 10.80 meters. The districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Netrokona and Habiganj in Sylhet Division have all been affected by flooding.
A paragon picture of one Division: So far 300 people have died as a result of the severe weather in Sylhet Division including 23 who were struck by lightning whilst working in the fields. Few persons died in a landslide triggered by heavy rain, another few drowned in flood waters and 3 died in a capsized boat. As many as 96 people are suffering from waterborne diseases. Cases of diarrhoea, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been reported.
Agricultural land and critical infrastructure, including power stations and schools, have been flooded. According to a report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), as many as 150,000 families in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts have been without power due to flood damage to power stations and infrastructure. Drinking water supply has also been negatively impacted with over 1,000 tube wells damaged. Humanitarian agencies have distributed safe drinking water and other supplies to 301,500 people.
Flooding has also damaged homes and 7,439 people have moved to 95 safe shelters. Damage to school buildings and roads has also disrupted education. After months of pandemic school closures, children are once again missing out on learning. Over 750 educational institutions have been closed due to severe flooding in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts.
“The damage to lives, homes and schools is heartbreaking. In this disaster, as in most others, children are the most vulnerable” said Mr. Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. “UNICEF is on the ground to protect children and to meet their urgent needs, supporting the Government and working closely with our local partners.”
Flooding that began in June 2022 for the third time is still a phenomenon because it is lasting long. The loss and damage are more than the previous two floods. At different places people are marooned by the flood water. The suffering of the people knows no bounds. People lost their houses, crops, cattle, poultry, fishes, etc. which are a lot of support for their livelihoods. As they lost their belongings, they took shelter in different places and lived in subhuman lives under the open sky. They lack fresh water as their tube wells have been submerged.
The people who are affected by floods need ongoing humanitarian support and long-term rehabilitation. The government is very slow in their initiative and their support does not reach the people who really need help. This is because of a very common disease like corruption. Different NGOs---national and international---are working to rebuild the livelihood of the flood-affected people but they also have limitations. They need to do any work with permission and guidelines of the authority that causes them to work in a certain framework which may not be keeping with their own satisfaction.
By the way, as a people organization with a long reputation in distribution of Khasland among the landless people in the country Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF) cannot sit idly, not standing by, in such a crucial time of flood-affected people in a certain part of the country. Bangladesh Krishok Federation started its relief work with its capacity. It has already distributed different relief materials among them with the support of international friends like ESSF. The relief material contains rice, pulse, potatoes, flour, Suji (some kind of cereal made of rice), onion, garlic, pepper, salt, cooking oil, candle, lighter, utensils, etc. It has distributed other items which are essential for daily life. This support is still needed for them. BKF continues its efforts.
Therefore it has made a fervent call again to the international communities to come forward to support the efforts of BKF so that it can continue its support activities until the affected people come to their normal life. As BKF is a people’s organisation it has extended its solidarity with affected people from the beginning of the flood. Apart from that, given its limited means, it has been supporting the victims who are mainly mass members of Bangladesh Krishok Federation in certain inundated areas in Sylhelt.
Badrul Alam
President
Bangladesh Krishok Federation
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