Flood management

. PHOTO: AFP

Bangladesh is a major theatre of flood, and its impact is devastating. Social and economic progress achieved over decades of initiatives by the community and the advances in health and other sectors are hopelessly degraded and devastatingly reversed by floods. Despite the recognition of the impact of floods, the country lacks a national disaster management policy. The responses to disasters are often ad-hoc, characterized by a knee-jerk reaction, panic reaction and unprofessional attitudes.

There is a growing concern about the way in which disaster management and rehabilitation programmes are conceived and implemented today. Post disaster rehabilitation programmes should be judged by its contribution to strengthening absorption capacity of communities and by how it contributes to the long-term developmental needs. While a swift action is a must, especially for the millions threatened by water-borne diseases in a post-flood scenario, or threat of starvation, today, everybody realizes that post-disaster program that does not leave a permanent positive change is not acceptable. Speed should not come in the way of breaking the cycle of destruction and vulnerability.

Flood disaster in Bangladesh has become a cyclic phenomenon Though we have flood every year, usually it is minor; managed and contained without a great deal of worry and effort. Every four years or so, it seems to come in the form of a national calamity!

Our objective should be the paradigm that people always quote "Prevention is better than cure". However flood prevention is a big issue, which needs considerable time, resources and really committed effort. China, particularly the communist regime, has transformed the Yangtzekian from a "river of sorrow" to a "river of vitality". To do that, however, we need the determination of the Chinese government. Harsh and often-cruel measures were adopted in China to get it done; with a lot of suffering and sacrifice from many. It was a cruel way to do it, but it was realistic, and as the saying goes "all is well that ends well".

Living in a democratic society such harsh measures cannot be adopted by us. May be we should go for the TVA model in the US which tamed and transformed the mighty rivers of the central US. They were however lucky to tap on to the boat loads of needy immigrants from China and post USSR revolution poor who migrated en mass to the US during that time.

Relief operation however seems to be gradually improving as we learn from our experience. Foremost however is the political will, for I believe if there is a will there is a way. I can only humbly appeal to our politicians of all shades and doctrines to once come together to face this national calamity with goodwill and unity. I am confident that the whole nation down to every man, woman and child will be behind them and do whatever is needed.

S. A. Mansoor, Gulshan, Dhaka.

I am impressed by the article written by Mr. Saeedur Rahman on 24th July regarding the management of floods in Bangladesh. This year's flood situation is becoming a growing concern for every citizen of the country and the number of deaths is also rising day by day.

We have many well known multinationals doing business in our country and also the number of big local corporate houses is quite significant. These organizations have social responsibility and they have always played a key role in helping the poor of this country.

Through DS, I would request all the multinationals and local corporate houses to come forward to the rescue of the flood victims of the country.

Waheed Lutfuzzaman,

Intern Corporate Communication & Business Development Department Siemens Bangladesh Limited

Most parts of the country are under floodwater now and the sufferings of the poor people are unimaginable. Still the political parties are blaming each other for the scarcity of aid. When the people are sinking in floodwater, don't these politicians have some responsibility? Please just keep your eyes open and see the sufferings of the flood hit people.

Nayeem Islam, The Aga Khan School, Uttara, Dhaka