Flooding in Bangladesh is primarily caused by the country's unique geographical and climatic conditions. Several factors contribute to the formation and severity of floods in Bangladesh:
1. Geographical Location: Bangladesh lies in the delta region of three mighty rivers: the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. These rivers carry large volumes of water from the Himalayas during the monsoon season. The flat topography of Bangladesh, with most of its land area lying only a few meters above sea level, makes it highly susceptible to flooding.
2. Monsoon Rains: Bangladesh experiences a pronounced monsoon season from June to October. During this period, the country receives heavy rainfall from the Bay of Bengal. The intensity and duration of the monsoon determine the severity and extent of flooding.
3. River Overflows: The high volume of water carried by the major rivers during the monsoon often exceeds the capacity of the river channels. This leads to overflowing and inundation of low-lying areas, causing severe flooding.
4. Lack of Adequate Infrastructure: Bangladesh lacks sufficient infrastructure to control and manage floods. The existing embankments and flood control structures are often inadequate or poorly maintained, making it challenging to contain the floodwaters.
5. Siltation: The rivers in Bangladesh carry enormous amounts of silt and sediment from the Himalayas. This siltation causes the riverbeds to rise, reducing their capacity to carry water and exacerbating flooding.
6. Deforestation: Deforestation in the upstream areas of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna basins reduces the natural retention of water. As a result, more water enters the downstream areas, contributing to flooding.
7. Sea Level Rise: Due to climate change, sea levels are rising, which results in increased tidal surges and coastal flooding in Bangladesh.
These factors combine to make Bangladesh one of the most flood-prone countries in the world, causing significant economic losses, displacement of people, damage to infrastructure, and threats to public health and safety.
