WATER levels at some points in our river-system have risen above the danger-mark. The early warning for flood needs to be heeded so as to avert any huge loss of life and property.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has said the capital itself is threatened as the rivers around it are swelling. In fact, the low-lying outskirts of the city have already been inundated. The news from the country-side is no better.

Accurate forecasting of the likely course of floods is crucially important as far as flood preparedness is concerned. Here, Bangladesh has to rely on India, the upper riparian, for inputs to analyse any developing flood situation for the river basins downstream. The frequency with which data is exchanged between the two countries is of utmost importance in getting a clearer picture of how things might shape up in the next few days or weeks. Forecasts will have to be at still shorter intervals.

Weather experts have said excessive rain in the month of June has aggravated the flood situation. They also predict that the flood situation may improve for a brief period before a heavy rainfall adds to the fury.

So, the country has to brace for a prolonged flood. It is a natural calamity we have grown familiar with; hence, we might take things a bit too much in the stride which would be a wrong thing to do. Thousands of people have already been marooned or forced to leave their homes in the worst affected districts. Inundation has been topped offby river erosion.

Strong current of onrushing water has created breaches in many an embankment. And, as these cave in, people will have no defence against floodwaters. Though attempts are being made locally to protect these last lines of defence, people in certain cases are reported to be fighting a losing battle. This is an area crying for immediate attention.

Relief and rehabilitation plans have to be put in place right-away ifwe are to minimise the flood-related losses. The affected people are in desperate need of potable water, food and medicine. The government agencies concerned must get a move on to reach all kinds of succour to the flood victims.