UN World Food Programme Supported by Country Office Disaster Risk Reduction Unit

WFP Bangladesh Bulletin

Hazard EARLY WARNING & Humanitarian Response

Issue 26/ 2007 23 July 2007

HIGHLIGHTS

ƒ Heavy rains fell throughout the country during the period 17th July to 22nd July.

ƒ The rains have contributed to localized flash flooding, particularly in the Northeast and Southeast Bangladesh.

ƒ River levels have risen considerably in the Northeast and Southeast. Five rivers have reached their danger levels as of 22nd July.

ƒ The rainfall forecast for the next two days shows highest expected rainfall in the Southeast, within the districts of Chittagong, Feni and Noakhali.

Rainfall Extremes and Forecast:

Between the morning of the 21st and 22nd July numerous locations throughout the country received heavy rain above the threshold for localized flooding; these included (78 mms), Patualkali (79 mms), Pabna (99 mms), and Rajshahi (105 mms). According to a Bangladesh Meteorological Department/ BMD report issued at 3 pm on 22nd July, more heavy rainfall is likely to occur but will diminish by 25th July.

The 3-day forecast (22nd–24th July) shows areas within the districts of Chittagong, Feni and Noakhali in the Southeast are expected to receive cumulative rainfall above 150 mms. Heavy rainfall is expected for the neighboring Indian state of bordering in the Northeast of Bangladesh. The same forecast applies to the Indian state of West , near the area that borders Bangladesh’s districts of Panchagarh and Thakurgaon in the extreme Northwest.

Note: Rainfall thresholds for potential localized flooding are 75 mms (24 hours) and 150 mms (72 hours).

Flood and River Levels:

Most major rivers within Bangladesh continued rising during the last couple of days. Between the morning of the 21st and 22nd July, water levels rose at 40 stations and fell at 18 with a total of 58 stations reporting. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC), the Northeast and Southeast are experiencing flash floods due to recent continuous heavy rains. This situation is likely to deteriorate as more rainfall over the region is expected. The

situation is of particular concern for low lying areas within numerous districts near or surrounding Dhaka. More information on recent flash flood is on page 2

Humanitarian Operations and Preparedness:

In response to the recent heavy rainfall and flash floods as mentioned above, the Government of Bangladesh and a few humanitarian agencies are providing relief support to the affected people.

The Disaster and Emergency Response/DER Sub-group is holding a special meeting on 23rd July in Dhaka to

discuss the overall coordination of relief response activities.

Data Sources: Rainfall: BMD/ Bangladesh Meteorological Department FFWC/ Flood Forecasting and Warning Center: http://www.ffwc.gov.bd/ CPC/ Climate Prediction Center: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov IMD/ Indian Meteorological Department: http://www.imd.gov.in River Level: FFWC/ Flood Forecasting and Warning Center: http://www.ffwc.gov.bd/ Dartmouth Flood Observatory: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~floods/ Localized Disaster: The Daily Star/ The Daily Ittefaq Disasters General: CDMP/ Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme Situation Report: http://www.cdmp.org.bd/Situation_report.html

Note: 1. This Bulletin is available at WFP Bangladesh website at http://bangladesh.wfp.org and LCG DER Website at http://www.lcgbangladesh.org/derweb/index.php 2. Comments on this bulletin should be sent to [email protected]

Disclaimer: The data and views expressed in this report do not represent the official position of the United Nations, the World Food Programme, nor any other United Nations member state. Page 1 of 3 WFP Bangladesh Bulletin Hazard EARLY WARNING & Humanitarian Response Issue 26/ 2007 23 July 2007

Summary of Present Flash Flood Situation:

• A map highlighting high rainfall areas is found on page 3.

• The situation in the Eastern and Central districts is deteriorating due to heavy rain and onrush of upstream water.

• The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center has indicated that major river systems Brahmaputra-Jamuna and -Padma continued rising and are likely to cross danger levels at a few points within the next 24-72 hrs.

• The Government and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society have distributed some relief items in the Southeastern districts while other relief agencies remain vigilant, keeping a close watch on the situation and maintaining contact with their partners and field offices.

General Overview:

• The overall flash flood situation in the Southeastern hill districts of Bandarban and Khagrachari has improved as rain stopped around 2 pm on 21st July 2007. The road between Bandarban and Chittagong is again usable as of 21st July 2007.

• Due to incessant rain and onrush of water from upstream, new flash floods occurred in Feni and Comilla districts particularly in Fulgazi and Parshuram Upazilas of and Debidwar, Chouddagram and Burichong Upazilas of Comilla district. Cracks have been reported at least on 23 points on the earthen embankment of Muhuri and Kahua rivers in Feni district.

• Districts near Dhaka are subject to flooding in low lying areas. Such districts include Manikganj, Munshiganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Chandpur. Dohar and Nawabganj upazilas of Dhaka are likely to inundate by the next 24/48 hours, according to a FFWC report issued on 22nd July.

• Districts of concern in the North of the country include Kurigram, Gaibandha and Sirajganj. River erosion in Kurigram is forcing affected people to leave their houses.

nd • As of 22 morning, the in Sylhet and ; the Someswari river in Netrokona, the in Comilla, the in Feni and the in Habiganj are flowing above their respective danger levels.

• According to GoB officials, two spars (structure to minimize water speed) are threatened by the strong current of the Jamuna river. These structures are located at Enayetpur and Meghai. Workers engaged by the government under supervision of army are trying to protect the spars.

• According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department the recent heavy rains are likely to ease/diminish by the 24th or 25th July.

The GoB Action:

The District and Upazila (sub-district) authorities in the affected areas are actively coordinating a Government relief response through local Disaster Management Committees.

Proposed Actions/ Measures Taken:

• The local administration and Khagrachhari municipality distributed cooked and dry foods, biscuits and drinking water among the affected people. In approx. 17 MT rice and 4 MT of flattened rice are allotted for the affected people.

• In Chittagong areas, 5 MT of rice at Patiya, 5 MT rice and Tk. 20,000 at Chandanaish, 10 MT of rice at Satkania and Taka 20,000 at Rangunia Upazila were distributed by the local GoB administration.

• The Feni district administration and the Red Crescent Society distributed relief materials including rice, lentils, edible oil, and clothes among 1500 affected families. During the last few days Tk. 10,000 was distributed at . On the 23rd July Taka 30,000 and 2 MT rice was allocated for Parshuram and Fulgazi Upazilas.

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WFP Bangladesh Bulletin Hazard EARLY WARNING & Humanitarian Response Issue 26/ 2007 23 July 2007

Heavy Rains in the Recent Past:

Short Term Rainfall Forecast:

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