According to a The Independent report the overall flood situation in Kurigram, Bogura, Sirajganj, Tangail, Sherpur, Manikganj, Faridpur and Munshiganj districts has steadily deteriorated and at least 30 lakh people have been marooned so far in 21 flood-affected districts. Inadequate supply of relief materials has also become a concern in the flood-hit areas, even though the authorities concerned claimed there has been no shortage of relief materials. This is an alarming figure and the number of of victims is likely to rise in the next days.

In this rivrine country  resulting from incessant rain and upstream inflow is almost a yearly episode. Flood exposes thousands of people to immense sufferings. Poor people particularly bear the brunt of flooding as their vulnerable dwellings are washed away by the deluge. Floods damage crops and vegetables, paddy seedlings and pisciculture projects. Many seedbeds made by farmers for transplantation of Aman paddy go under floodwater, triggering financial losses to them. Shortage of food, safe drinking water and medicines make their lives despondent. Quite often waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery break out at flood shelters. Apart from the government's authorities concerned, we must all unite to stand by the flood victims. Supply of relief materials, cash money, safe drinking water and water purifying tablets among flood victims is the need of the minute. Besides, medical teams should be sent to the affected areas. Not to forget, helping these victims are our moral and patriotic obligation.

The marooned people are in desperate need of food and shelter. The Disaster management and Relief Ministry has said it is alive to the problems being faced by the people in the flood-affected areas. The state minister concerned has informed the media on Friday last about the relief measures undertaken by the government in flood-hit districts. However, there is always a gap between what is planned centrally and delivered ultimately at the field level.

Post-flood rehabilitation must be seriously considered. Seeds of crops and seedlings of paddy should 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 a greater extent. Housing authorities should 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.