With monsoon season rolling in this year, we are yet again faced with the risk of one of our most recurring natural disasters -- heavy flooding.
Owing to its riverine nature, Bangladesh is prone to floods, which has historically caused significant damage across the nation. It is no surprise, therefore, that heavy rainfall in past weeks has led to a rise in water levels nationwide, already resulting in the flooding of certain low-lying areas.
Recent reports also predict that the rapidly rising water level of the Jamuna river may lead to increased chances of flooding in the coming days.
While it is certainly good that we are able to identify these warning signs before any real damage is incurred, it is imperative that the government takes immediate measures to avert such natural disasters. Seeing as it is a common phenomenon for our country, we ought to be better equipped with the knowledge and strategies to prevent heavy flooding and its devastating consequences.
Every year, floods leave innumerable areas ravaged, with thousands of lives irreparably damaged, and it is only logical that efforts are made to prepare ahead of time to curb the impact.
We cannot wait for an annual threat to, once again, leave our nation and its people devastated. The authorities must ensure that areas with a higher risk of flooding are evacuated and the residents brought to safety.
Moreover, with climate change altering weather patterns as we know them, long-term strategies must also be designed for the permanent prevention of any such natural disasters from wreaking more havoc in the future.
We cannot be reactive in our efforts any longer. The time to act is now.