With monsoon looming, and heavy rainfall in Sylhet already sending signals that we may soon be dealing with floods, it is time the nation collectively prepared beforehand so as to not get caught out by the floods once again.
With climate change exacerbating the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, especially in vulnerable nations such as ours as we witnessed with the destruction left by Cyclone Remal, the urgency to bolster flood prevention efforts and enhance disaster preparedness this monsoon season cannot be overstated.
It starts with effective early warning systems, together with well-coordinated evacuation plans. We have a long history of successful evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people before cyclones and floods, yet, every year, it appears that we could have done better. The importance of timely warnings and efficient mobilization therefore is a matter of life and death; enhancing these systems, particularly in vulnerable areas where marginalized communities reside in precarious shelters, should be top of mind.
In the long run, however, Bangladesh simply cannot deal with all the natural calamities it continues to experience on a yearly basis - something that continues to get worse as we get battered by the effects of climate change. To that end, while Bangladesh must continue to prioritize climate resilience measures, it must also seek international cooperation - which developed nations ought to comply with from a moral standpoint, as they are the ones responsible for the present climate crisis.
Floods are a yearly occasion, and every year, collectively, our nation is devastated. By taking pro-active steps and seeking assistance that we are well within our rights to ask for, we can still better safeguard our citizens and infrastructure from its devastating consequences.
