BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 7

UNCLAS DHAKA 004155

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 BGD
SUBJECT: BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 7

REFERENCE: DHAKA 04107 DATED AUGUST 18, 2005


1. Summary: This cable updates the information
provided in the referenced cable. The overall flood
situation in Bangladesh is localized and within local
coping capacity. 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 21 August, 2005,
light to moderate rainfall at most places, and heavy to
very heavy rainfall at a few places, over the
Brahmaputra, the Meghna and the South Eastern Hill
basins were recorded during the last few days. Light
to moderate rainfall at most places over the Ganges
basin has been recorded over the same period.


3. General River Conditions: Yesterday, the FFWC water
level monitoring stations records, available from 84
reporting stations (out of the total 86 stations),
indicated 46 stations rising, 29 stations falling, 7
stations remaining steady and 2 (the Balu at Demera of
the Narayanganj district and the Kangsha at
Jariajanjail of the Netrokona district) were flowing
above their respective danger levels.


4. Regional Flood Conditions: The overall flood
situation is improving in most places. The monsoon
flooding is localized and within local coping capacity.
Five upazilas (out of seven) in the Serajganj district
were submerged (flash flooding) due to a sudden rise of
water level in the Jamuna River. This was due to heavy
rainfall in the region and an increase in the flow of
water from upstream. Flash flooding caused river bank
erosion and affected the drainage in this region. Low-
lying cultivable lands in some areas of the
southeastern parts of Bangladesh have been submerged
due to heavy rainfall. The low-lying areas in and
around Dhaka and Narayanganj districts are likely to be
inundated.


5. Rainfall/Flood Prediction: According to the
Bangladesh Meteorological Department, a fairly active
monsoon over Bangladesh is predicted for this week.


6. Government of Bangladesh Response: BDG District-
level Disaster Management Committees are monitoring the
flood situation and providing assistance to the most
needy.


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