BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 10

UNCLAS DHAKA 004565

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, TIM ANDERSON 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. 10

REFERENCE: DHAKA 04395 DATED SEPTEMBER 6, 2005


1. Summary: This cable updates the information
provided in the referenced cable. The monsoon was light
to moderate over Bangladesh during the past week. The
flood situation continues to improve in most places of
the country. The Bangladesh Government Flood
Forecasting and Warning Center reports falling water
levels in most rivers of the country during the past
few days. Severe river bank erosion caused by flooding
was reported in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna basin. 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. The
BDG and a few local NGOs are providing assistance on a
limited basis to the flood-affected people. End
Summary.


2. Rainfall: According to the BDG Flood Forecasting
and Warning Center (FFWC) report dated September 11,
2005, the rainfall in the four river basins during the
past few days was as follows:
-Light to moderate rainfall at many places over the
Brahmaputra, the Meghna and the South Eastern Hill
basins;
-Heavy rainfall at Mymensingh (57.5 mm) and Bhairab
Bazar (52.0 mm) in the Brahmaputra basin; and
-Light rainfall at most places at most places over
the Ganges basin.


3. General River Conditions: The FFWC water level
el
monitoring stations records for September 11, 2005,
available from 80 reporting stations (out of the total
86 stations),indicated 22 stations rising, 56 stations
falling and 2 stations remaining steady. Water levels
at two stations were flowing above their respective
danger levels. They are: the Balu at Demra of the
Narayanganj District; and the Khowai at Ballah of the
Hobiganj District.


4. Regional Flood Conditions: The flood situation
continues to improve with receding water in most places
of the country. The overall flood situation is not at
the danger stage. The monsoon flooding is localized
and within local coping capacity. The Disaster
Emergency Response local consultative sub-group (DER),
consisting of BDG, donors, UN agencies, and
implementing partner representatives reports severe
river bank erosion by the Teesta and the Jamuna rivers
in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna Basin. The affected districts
are: Kurigram; Gaibandha; Sirajganj; and Bogra.



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


6. Flood Response: BDG District-level Disaster
Management Committees are monitoring the flood
situation and providing rice and cash to the most
needy. The DER reports distribution of food by the
local NGOs in some flood affected areas.





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.

CHAMMAS