BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 6

UNCLAS DHAKA 004107 SIPDIS AIDAC DCHA/OFDA FOR ROBERT THAYER AID/W FOR MICHAEL METZLER ANE/SAA 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. 6 REFERENCE: DHAKA 03852 DATED AUGUST 08, 2005 ¶1. Summary: This cable updates the information provided in the referenced cable. The overall flood situation in Bangladesh is normal at present and within local coping capacity. Localized flood conditions are improving in most places. The Bangladesh Government (BDG) and relief agencies are monitoring the situation and are in contact with key disaster partners at the field and central levels. End Summary. ¶2. Rainfall: According to the BDG Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) report dated 14 August, 2005, light to moderate rainfall at a few places over the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and the Meghna basins was recorded. Light to moderate rainfall at most places and a very heavy rainfall at one place (Panchpukuria/ Chittagong district) over the South Eastern Hill basin have also been recorded. ¶3. General River Conditions: Yesterday, the FFWC water level monitoring stations records, available from 78 reporting stations (out of the total 86 stations), indicated 33 stations rising, 41 stations falling, 3 stations remaining steady and 1 station (the Kangsha at Jariajanjail/Netrokona district) flowing above danger level. ¶4. Regional Flood Conditions: The overall flood situation in the country is normal for this time of the year and localized flood conditions are improving in most places. Last week, in the northern part of Bangladesh, some villages in Nilphamari district were submerged due to a large release of water from upstream in India. According to FFWC, the flash flood situation is expected to improve further this week. Low-lying cultivable lands in some areas of southeastern Bangladesh have been submerged due to excessive rain. The low-lying areas in and around Dhaka, Munshiganj and Narayanganj districts remain unchanged and not a cause for concern. ¶5. Rainfall/Flood Prediction: This week, according to the Indian Meteorological Department, heavy rainfall is forecast over the Indian northeastern states of West Bengal and Sikkim. This might cause flooding in south- west and northern parts of Bangladesh. ¶6. Government of Bangladesh Response: BDG District- level Disaster Management Committees are monitoring the flood situation and prioritizing and coordinating the BDG response as needed. ¶7. Mission Strategy: The Mission continues to closely monitor the monsoon conditions through its NGO partners and the Disaster Emergency Response local consultative sub-group, consisting of the BDG, donor and implementing partner representatives. CHAMMAS