BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 3

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 003572 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 SUBJECT: BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 3 REFERENCES: A. DHAKA 03407 DATED JULY 18, 2005 ¶B. GKABIR/FAD E-MAIL DATED JULY 21, 2005 ¶1. Summary: This cable updates the information provided in the referenced cable and e-mail. The monsoon was less active over the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and the South Eastern Hill basins last week. Light rainfall was recorded at all except one place in these three river basins. The Meghna basin experienced moderate monsoon during the same period. The flood situation in the country's northern and north-eastern regions has improved in the past few days. The flood condition in the districts in and around Dhaka remained unchanged. A moderate monsoon is predicted over the country this week. The Government of Bangladesh has approved food grain and cash distributions for the flood victims. End Summary. ¶2. Rainfall: According to the BDG Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) report dated 24th July, 2005, the Ganges basin recorded light rainfall at a few places and a moderate rainfall (38 mm) at Rajshahi, the Brahmaputra and the South Eastern Hill basins recorded light rainfall at all places, and the Meghna basin recorded moderate rainfall at most places during the last 24 hours. ¶3. General Rivers Condition: The July 24 FFWC water level monitoring stations' records, available from all 86 reporting stations, indicated 35 stations rising, 38 stations falling, 4 stations remaining steady and 9 stations flowing above danger level during the last 24 hours. The 9 stations are: the Korotoa at Chakrahimpur/Bogra; the Balu at Demra/Narayanganj; the Padma at Goalundo/Rajbari and Bagyakul/Munshiganj; the Surma at Kanaighat/Sylhet; the Kushiara at Amalshid/Sylhet and Sheola/Sylhet; the Kangsa at Jariajannail/Netrokona; and the Meghna at Chandpur. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna was falling at all points except at Aricha/Manikganj. The Ganges-Padma was rising at all points except at Goalundo/Rajbari. The Meghna, out of the total 22 monitoring stations, was rising at 11 locations, falling at 9 locations, and flowing steady at 2 locations. Most of the rivers in the South Eastern Hill basin were falling. ¶4. Regional Flood Conditions: The flood situation in the districts of Kurigram, Nilphamary, Gaibandha, Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Netrokona has improved in the past few days. Low-lying areas in and around Dhaka, Munshiganj and Narayanganj districts remained unchanged. River bank erosion by the flood waters was reported in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna basin. Standing crops and houses have reportedly been damaged by the flooding in affected areas. ¶5. Rainfall/Flood Prediction: Rainfall predictions by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department are normal for the last week of July. The flood situation is likely to improve in the Brahmaputra and the Ganges basins. The flood situation at most places in the Meghna basin is likely to remain unchanged. Low-lying areas in and around Dhaka, Munshiganj and Narayanganj districts are likely to inundate further as the waters from the upstream rivers are flowing through the Meghna to the Bay of Bengal. ¶6. Government of Bangladesh Response: According to the BDG Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MFDM),50 metric tons (MT) of rice and Taka 100,000 (equivalent to $1,563) has been allocated to each of the 64 districts for use in case of emergency need. In addition, the 8 flood affected districts each received the BDG allocation of 50 MT of rice. The MFDM reported that rice and cash distributions are ongoing from this allocation in the 8 affected districts. The Ministry further stated that the current BDG food grain stock is sufficient to meet the ongoing relief need. ¶7. 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