A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
Since 19 July 2016, heavy rains in the main river basins of Bangladesh and upstream catchments of India have caused severe flooding in the north and north-eastern parts of Bangladesh affecting an estimated 1.9 million people (380,000 families) across 19 districts. As of 2 August 2016, 14 flood-related deaths were confirmed by local authorities and displacement of nearly 7,400 people in 69 flood shelters were reported. The floods have roughly destroyed 9,300 houses with 12,370 houses partially damaged. The water in the major rivers continue to reach critical levels with embankments collapsing across the affected areas. It is anticipated, with improvement on the flood situation in the north in the coming days, the flood will worsen in the middle and southern parts of the country as water rushes towards the Bay of Bengal. Moreover, there is an additional forecast for flooding on the same geographical region from mid-August.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) Bangladesh country office initiated a rapid assessment in nine (9) districts of the country’s north and north eastern regions. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners have also extended their support in the assessment. In a meeting held by the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) members on 1 August, it was discussed with experience from the 2014 flood and the information available on the current disaster scenario from the local government, humanitarian organizations can undertake relief operations to address the priorities of the affected population. While sectoral assessments may be undertaken at a later stage, joint need assessments will not be conducted at the moment.
Rather, a scenario-based approach has been discussed in the HCTT where this flood has compared to the 2014 flood in terms of geographical locations but of which the extent of damage is larger. Situation reports from the National Disaster Response Coordination Centre (NDRCC) and reports from BDRCS’ local units as well as other NGOs brought attention to the seriousness of flooding in those districts clustered around the north (Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Bogra, Sirajganj, Jamalpur, Madaripur, Sariatpur, Sunamganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Tangail, Dhaka, Chandpur and Rajshahi). During the HCTT meeting it was highlighted that the damage from this flood is more than the cyclone Roanu. Hence, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh has urged to all to stand beside the flood victims. The government has sent one Deputy Secretary rank official to each of the flood affected districts to coordinate the flood relief operations.
In the following week, with the continuation of heavy rainfalls and many rivers flowing above danger level, it is forecasted that the similar region will be hit by flood water. This includes the country’s north-east regions and districts in the centre. Presently the rivers in northern Bangladesh are overflowing: 20 out of 90 measuring stations on 12 major rivers in the area (including Brahmaputra, Jmauna, Surma, Ghagot, Padma, Someswari, Kangsa) are flowing above danger level. The resulting flood with high currents has breached embankment and increased river erosion in many areas. In last 24 hours, water has increased and flowing average 0.88 cm above the danger level at Sirajgonj, Bogra, Jamalpur and Tangail district. Danger point and flood situation may improve gradually.
The government has allocated 9,200 metric tons of rice, BDT 34,450,000 (about CHF 441,667) in cash grants and BDT 22,500,000 (CHF 288,462) for dry food to support the affected communities in the 16 affected districts out of 19. Several other organisations, in addition to the BDRCS and IFRC, are also responding to the situation.
With the current flood situation, people’s mobility has become a challenge. Due to increasing flood water, overall mobility of char (island) dwellers has become limited. Livelihood of many has been suspended particularly for farmers whose crops have been heavily damaged. If the situation persists longer, the affected communities are likely to undertake negative coping means such as taking loans or selling out poultry and livestock for survival.
As mentioned, crops like paddy, jute, dhaincha, kowon and vegetables have been severely damaged; around 4,812 hectors of standing crops have suffered damages under four districts. More information is yet to be released.
While the flood inundates raised lands to protect livestock, such as cattle, and with lack of available fodder, there is high likelihood of cattle death in the coming days. Many farmers fear not being able to sell them during Eid Ul Azha with a lower market value. In chars and other areas, traditionally people rear cows (fattening) and goat to sell during this festival.
Most of the schools in chars have been inundated due to flood conditions. As mobility of char and village dwellers has been limited, attendance of students has fallen and in many cases shut down. According to field reports, a total 53 (in three districts) institutions have been affected and most of schools are closed.
The water and sanitation situation is alarming. Most of the latrines are inundated and safe drinking water facilities are contaminated with flood waters. It is anticipated, water borne disease are likely to go up if flood conditions retain.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has been operating since the flooding started and has already reached more than 1,400 families with dry and cooked food, and around 2000 families through clean drinking water. The government has allocated food and cash for the affected population and hundreds of medical teams have been deployed.
BDRCS is also currently implementing recovery activities in the aftermaths of Cyclone Roanu that hit in last May in different parts of the country (south-east).