As the number of Covid-19 infections show little to no sign of respite, it is important that, in the midst of dealing with the pandemic in Bangladesh, the familiar threat of floods is treated with the utmost seriousness. To that end, it is encouraging to hear State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Md Enamur Rahman, reassure us that the government remains ready with all the measures and provisions to combat the flooding situation in the country. With flooding predicted to rise and sustain in 23 low-lying districts, it is good to see that relief measures are being put in place.

However, reassurances are meaningless without implementation; already, rains in the country, particularly in the northern districts, have caused rivers to flow above the danger level, and the resultant flooding has stranded thousands, who are suffering immensely.

Too often, despite the provisions existing to ease people’s suffering during floods, it is unfortunate that, time and time again, due to mismanagement and a lack of decisive implementation, their suffering continues.

This is not only extremely disheartening, as no human should have to face the loss of their homes and access to food and other necessities, but it is also disappointing because, despite floods being a yearly challenge that Bangladesh has to deal with, it appears we are yet to truly rise to the challenge of being capable of mitigating its effects.

It is only when Bangladesh devises a long-term strategy against floods and oversees effective implementation of it will we truly see progress being made. Relief efforts for the people suffering are of course necessary, but they do not solve the problem.