BANGLADESH 2005 FLOOD CONDITION REPORT NO. 11

UNCLAS DHAKA 004805 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. 11 REFERENCE: DHAKA 04565 DATED SEPTEMBER 12 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 (FFWC) reports falling water levels in most rivers of the country during the past few days. Severe river bank erosion caused by flooding has been 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 is providing assistance on a limited basis to the flood-affected people. End Summary. ¶2. Rainfall: According to the BDG FFWC report dated September 18, 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 Ganges & the South Eastern Hill basins - no rainfall over the Meghna basin ¶3. General River Conditions: The FFWC water level monitoring stations records for September 18, 2005, available from 82 reporting stations (out of the total 86 stations),indicated 15 stations rising, 66 stations s falling and 1 station remaining steady. ¶4. Regional Flood Conditions: The flood situation continues to improve with receding water in most places of the country. The Disaster Emergency Response local consultative sub-group (DER),consisting of BDG, donors, UN agencies, and implementing partner representatives have reported 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. However, the overall flood situation is not at the danger stage. The monsoon flooding is localized and within local coping capacity. ¶5. Rainfall/Flood Prediction: According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, light to moderate monsoon rainfall 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. ¶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. A USG emergency response is not currently anticipated. CHAMMAS