ED: Take precautions to prevent disaster

Once again, as Bangladesh goes through its monsoon season, heavy rainfall has led to a sharp rise in water levels of the major rivers across the country, with experts claiming that rains are likely to continue for the next few days.

This means that floods are on the horizon, and as a nation that has witnessed the devastation caused by floods year after year, with property damaged and homes underwater, it is imperative that we do not see a repeat of past tragedies and take all possible precautions in this regard.

It is encouraging to note that authorities are already aware of the situation, and have been continuously monitoring water levels as rains continue, with emergency personnel on standby to ensure proper management of flood control embankments, and to carry out repair works if needed.

While the rivers have yet to see water levels rise to dangerous levels as of Friday, with heavy rains predicted in the days ahead, we cannot afford to take any chances.

One bout of heavy rainfall is more than enough to tip the water level over the edge and cause massive destruction to the lives and livelihoods of the people residing near embankments, and any sort of negligence in this regard should not be accepted.

The government’s response so far suggests that the authorities have the situation under control, and we hope that sufficient precautions are taken to protect the people from any devastation. By now we are intimately familiar with the toll flooding can take on Bangladesh. It is time we had a well thought-out plan in advance.