Feni, August 2024 – In a recent interview with Daily Star, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, discussed unprecedented flooding in Feni and challenges faced by rescue teams in the region. floods, described as the worst in living memory for the area, have overwhelmed both governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Unprecedented Flooding in Feni
Rizwana Hasan highlighted the severity of the situation in Feni, where locals are witnessing flash floods of a magnitude they have never experienced before. flooding has not only inundated vast areas but has also started entering the city, raising serious concerns. the situation has been compounded by the loss of electricity and mobile network services, making rescue operations even more challenging. floods have forced most rescue efforts to be carried out during daylight hours due to the risk of electrocution, further hampering response.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
the most pressing issue, according to Hasan, is difficulty in accessing affected communities, particularly those in remote areas. While re have been calls to deploy helicopters for rescue and relief operations, treacherous wear has made it impossible to do so safely. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), along with the army and volunteers, are working tirelessly, but floodwaters have made many areas nearly inaccessible.
Government’s Response and Relief Efforts
Hasan assured that the interim government has sufficient relief supplies to support affected communities. However, the distribution and delivery of aid are complicated by challenging conditions on the ground. government is focusing on immediate rescue efforts, with all relevant ministries and local agencies coordinating our efforts to address the crisis effectively. Despite recent reshuffling in local government, Hasan emphasized that disaster management efforts remain robust, with administrators in place to ensure continuity in relief operations.
Transboundary River Management Concerns
Addressing concerns over the opening of a dam in India’s Tripura, Hasan stated that the situation is under investigation. While acknowledging challenges posed by transboundary rivers, she stressed the importance of international cooperation and treaties to manage shared water resources. the interim government, led by the chief adviser, is set to raise some concerns with the Indian government and explore ways to prevent such crises in the future.
Long-Term River Management Issues
Hasan also pointed out the broader issue of river management in Bangladesh, emphasizing that inadequate management has exacerbated flooding. She noted that arbitrary construction of embankments, bridges, and culverts has obstructed water flow, preventing quick receding of floodwaters. While the immediate focus remains on rescue and rehabilitation, Hasan called for long-term strategies to restore river navigability and improve flood management in the country.
As Bangladesh grapples with this unexpected national crisis, the interim government is working to address both the immediate needs of flood-affected populations and the long-term challenges posed by climate change and poor river management.
