Bangladesh is likely to experience medium-scale floods in the middle of July, as the waters of the major rivers—Padma, Jamuna and the Ganges—are increasing. Heavy rain, flash floods and excessive water flow from the upstream rivers have worsened the flood situation in several upazilas of the Sylhet division including the Sunamganj district. The onrush of water from the hilly upstream areas and incessant rainfall have flooded hundreds of villages in Doarbazar, Jamalganj, Tahirpur and Bishwambharpur upazilas, leaving several hundred people marooned.

Flooding is almost an annual reality in our country. Floods damage crops and vegetables, jute, betel-leaf plantations, sugarcane and paddy seedlings. Many seedbeds made by farmers for transplantation of Aman paddy go under floodwater, triggering grave concern among them. Vegetables on vast tracts of land go under water, pushing prices of the same up. Besides, floods damage dwelling houses and pisciculture projects.  In fact, floods expose thousands of people to immense sufferings.

The relevant authorities should stand by the flood victims. The shortage of fresh drinking water becomes acute, raising the chances of diarrhoea outbreaks. Supply of relief materials, cash money, safe drinking water and water purifying tablets among flood victims is the demand of the time.  Besides, medical teams should be sent to the affected areas. Post-flood rehabilitation measures are vital. Seeds and seedlings of paddy can be supplied to the flood-hit farmers on an emergency basis. If farmers get those they can make good use of them and recoup the losses to some extent.

Besides, dwelling houses of many farmers are damaged by flooding. The authorities concerned can provide the farmers with house reconstruction grants or crisis grants. If it is not possible, the affected ones can at least get bank loans on easy terms and conditions for rebuilding their houses.  Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) and Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) can play vital roles in this regard. The issue of crop insurance has long been discussed. If it is implemented farmers will be immensely benefited. Advance preparation can mitigate the sufferings of the flood victims. Permanent solution of the flood menace should also be found out. Dredging of the silted rivers can also help solve flood problem greatly.