10 districts brace for floods as rivers swell amid heavy rains

The government has started preparations to tackle floods with rivers in 10 districts of the country flowing above the danger level due to heavy rains.

Relief in the form of 17,500 metric tonnes of rice, 50,000 packets of dry food and Tk 20.9 million have been sent to these districts. 

The districts will each receive 500 tents and medical teams within the next few days, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman.  

The prime minister has instructed the authorities to take extensive preparations amid growing fears of flooding, said Enamur.  

"The met office has forecast heavy rains over the next few days which could worsen the flood situation."

The situation has deteriorated over the last 24 hours in the Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Bogura, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Chattogram, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar and Nilphamari districts, said the state minister. 
 
The Jamuna is likely to rise further due to the swelling of the Brahmaputra in India. At the same time, the increase in the Ganga in Bihar could also result in floods in the Padma basin. 

Enamur said, the authorities have flagged 628 river points across the country as risky. Of these, 26 were marked as 'very risky'. 

"The water resources ministry ministry has instructed authorities to take appropriate measures at these points. Work is underway to prepare 551 risk-free centres."