Every year it is the same story: Floods causing widespread damage, killing hundreds of people, and robbing countless others of their land and livelihoods. This year, with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic already crippling Bangladesh, the extensive flooding has only added to the misery, exacerbating an already hapless situation.
To that end, government response to the aftermath of the floods has been commendable. Already, the government has distributed a total of 13,000 metric tons of rice and 141,286 packets of dry food among the flood-hit people in the country along with distributing Tk3 crore in cash.
Additionally, 1,117 flood shelter centres have been opened in the flood prone areas where 35,640 people have taken refuge, and hundreds of medical teams have been formed for the treatment and safety of the people.
However, what has continued to remain the major issue for Bangladesh regarding floods is that, year on year, despite being fully aware of the impending floods, we are left unprepared when the floods actually hit. Every year, the government, along with local and international NGOs and relief agencies, works to create shelters, distribute food, and offer support.
However, this reactive approach to dealing with floods must stop. What is instead required is a pro-active solution, where we prepare better and weaken their impact, instead of scrambling to provide relief after they have already done their worst.
Bangladesh continues to lose too much -- in terms of lives, property, infrastructure, and livelihoods -- to floods every year, and unless concrete action is taken, this will continue to be the unfortunate reality for the foreseeable future.