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