Flood in Bangladesh

Flood in Bangladesh

Introduction: Bangladesh is characterized by flood which occurs especially in the rainy season and is an annual phenomenon. Flood causes both loss and profit though the farmer is predominant.

Causes 0f flood: The causes of flood are many. It is mainly caused by heavy showers of rain. During monsoon, the heavy downpour swells the river water. This excess water overflows the banks of rivers and causes flood. Rivers and canals cannot carry the rainwater to the sea rapidly. So there is a sudden increase of water in the rivers and canals which overflow their banks and cause flood. It also may be caused by cyclones, tidal bores or the melting of snow on mountains.

Season of flood: Flood occurs particularly in the rainy season which consists of Ashwar and Sraban. The sky always ren1ains cloudy and it rains incessantly. Ponds, cannals, rivers, lands and fields go underwater and boats or rafts become the only means of movement. When water rises to a certain level, we say, flood has occurred.

Damage caused by flood: Flood makes life miserable. It causes a big loss of life, property: and crops. It sweeps over villages, roads, and fields. Even sometimes people’s houses go underwater. It washes away cattle and houses. All the communication is hindered. People become homeless. They take shelter on the high roads, schools arid colleges.

After-effects of flood:  After flood, epidemic and famine break out. The areas affected by flood become muddy and unhealthy. There is a scarcity of drinking water. The price of all daily necessities goes up.

Advantages of flood: Flood has its good sides too. The silt carried by flood water makes the land fertile. It washes away rotten things from the land. It teaches people to be self-reliant.

Some great floods: The floods of 1954, 1960, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1987, 1988, 1991 and 1998 are remarkable. The flood of 1998 was unprecedented. It had broken all former records. It is recorded as a morning day in our country’s history and a hard striking feature in the history of the world. But the most recent flood exceeded all former, floods. It lasted for long two months. All the district headquarters including capital city Dhaka were flooded. The most outstanding point is that the foreign consular and other staff left the mission offices in our country.

Recommendations to control flood: Flood visits our country and causes a huge loss almost every year. So, it is imperative to take proper steps to control it Both short and long term plans may be taken. Houses may be built on a high land, well-planned irrigation system should be established, silted up river beds excavated and proper embankments should be constructed.

Conclusion: Flood is sometimes a great threat to our econ0my. So, it should be given proper emphasis. Effective and permanent measures ought to be taken for prevention. Parliament should discuss the issue with all importance.