UNCLAS DHAKA 003407

SIPDIS

AIDAC

DCHA/OFDA FOR ROBERT THAYER
AID/W FOR CHRIS LA FARGUE, ANE/SAA (A) DESK OFFICER
STATE/W FOR SA/PB
DCHA/FFP FOR MATTHEW NIMS AND LAUREN LANDIS
ROME FOR FODAG
BANGKOK FOR TOM DOLAN
KATHMANDU FOR BILL BERGER, REBECCA SCHEURER

E.O. 12958
TAGS: EAID BG IT TH NP IN BGD
SUBJECT: BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 2

REFERENCE: DHAKA 03247 DATED JULY 11, 2005


1. Summary: This cable updates the information provided in
the referenced cable. The monsoon was fairly active over the
country last week. Light to heavy rainfall was recorded at
many places over the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, the Meghna
basins and South Eastern Hill basin. As a result, flash
flooding occurred in several northern districts. Low-lying
areas in and around Dhaka, and Narayanganj districts were
inundated. A heavier monsoon is predicted over the country
in the second half of July. End Summary.


2. Rainfall: According to the BDG Flood Forecasting and
Warning Center (FFWC) records as of 17 July, 2005, light to
heavy rainfall at most places and a very heavy rainfall at
one place over the Brahmaputra basin, light to moderately
heavy rainfall at a few places over the Ganges basin, light
to heavy rainfall at most places over the Meghna basin, and
light rainfall at a few places over the South Eastern Hill
basin were recorded during the last 24 hours. Significant
rainfall of 96.8 mm at Kaunia, 66.0 mm at Sylhet, 60.0 mm
each at Sheola and Moulvibazar, 56.5 mm at Chilmari, 42.8 mm
at Rangpur and 44.2 mm at Dinajpur was recorded during the
same period.


3. General Rivers Condition: Yesterday, the FFWC water
level monitoring stations' records, available from 71
reporting stations (out of the total 86 stations), indicated
35 stations rising, 28 stations falling, 3 stations
remaining steady and 5 stations flowing above danger level
during the last 24 hours. The 5 stations are located the
Dharala at Kurigram, the Korotoa at Bogra, the Balu and
Lakhya at Narayanganj and the Kangsha at Netrokona
districts. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna was rising at all points
except at Chilmari, the Ganges-Padma was falling at upstream
points and most of the rivers in the Meghna and the South
Eastern Hill basins were falling.


4. Regional Flood Conditions: A moderately heavy rainfall
and onrush of water from upstream India have caused flash
flooding at several places in the northern and north-eastern
districts of Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha,
Sirajganj, Sherpur, Netrakona and Mymensingh. Standing crops
and houses have reportedly been damaged by the flooding. The
flood situation in the districts of Sunamganj and Netrokona
was improving. Low-lying areas in and around Dhaka and
Narayanganj district were inundated.


5. Rainfall/Flood Prediction: Rainfall predictions by the
Bangladesh Meteorological Department are above normal during
the second half of July. The flood situation is likely to
deteriorate in the Brahmaputra, the Meghna and some parts of
the Ganges basins. Low-lying areas in and around Dhaka and
Narayanganj are likely to inundate further.


6. OFDA stockpile: OFDA provided four water treatment units
and 10 zodiac boats in previous years to CARE and two water
treatment units to Save the Children (SCF) for emergency
response. All water treatment units and zodiac boats are in
good condition and ready for deployment as and when
required.


7. OFDA Regional Advisor visit: Rebecca Scheurer, OFDA
Regional Advisor for South Asia, has scheduled a visit to
Dhaka from 26-28 July 2005. The purpose of OFDA Advisor's
visit is to discuss increased collaboration among the Title
II partners (CARE, SCF and World Vision) for the maintenance
of OFDA's in-country stockpiles and related disaster
management activities. Ms. Scheurer will also brief Mission
staff on OFDA disaster response policies and procedures.


8. Mission Strategy: The Mission continues to closely
monitor the monsoon condition through its NGO partners and
the Disaster Emergency Response local consultative sub-
group, consisting of BDG, donors and implementing partner
representatives.
CHAMMAS