NATURAL CALAMITIES IN BANGLADESH

Introduction: Bangladesh is a dreamland of the poets. But she is not free from natural calamities. Sometimes nature becomes very cruel to us. We live on the mercy of nature.

Different calamities: Flood, cyclone, storm, drought and torrential rain visit our country almost every year. Bangladesh is often called a land of natural calamities. People of this  region work and live fighting against these natural calamities.

Flood: Bangladesh is a low-lying land. So, flood is an annual affair of this country. Flood is caused by heavy rainfall of the upper region of the area. Excess of water overflows the banks of the rivers. Fields and houses are inundated. Flood causes heavy damage to our life and property. Crops are washed away and trees are uprooted. Hundreds of people are rendered homeless. They take shelter on railway stations, schools, college and pass a subhuman life. The floods in 1956, 1974, 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1998 were dangerous. These floods caused a great loss to our economy.

Cyclone: Bangladesh is a tropical country. So every year cyclone and storm hit our land in summer or in late autumn. Depression in the Bay of Bengla causes cyclone and tidal bore. Dangerous cyclone and tidal bore hit the southern part and off shore islands of Bangladesh almost every year. They wash away tens of thousands of people, countless cattle and crops every year. People who survive lose all there belongings. The loss of property and the near and dear ones make their life miserable. The tidal bore of 1970 and 1991 were fearful. The total off shore islands were washed away and lakes of people died.

Drought: Drought is another natural calamity. In the summer drought causes loss of crops almost every year. Irrigation system in our country is not developed. Indiscriminate chopping of trees for fuel has turned a part of the country into a rainless dry land.

Frakka Barrage: Frakka barrage lessens the flow of water of the river. The diversion of the ganges water has created serious problems for Bangladesh. Now Bangladesh has to depend on India and nature for water, over flow of this causes severe floods and non availability of it causes drought. This has a very adverse effect on our economy and on the flora and fauna of the region.

River erosion: River erosion is also considered a calamity in our country. Erosion by the river Meghna, Padma, Jamuna and other river makes thousands of people homeless. Erosion occurs in the rainy season. With the onset of the monsoon, it takes a devastating turn. People living near the banks of rivers have to bear the brunt of the erosion.

Conclusion: Our people live struggling against all kinds of natural calamities. One day we shall be able to control these calamities. Now these are our daily companions. But people of Bangladesh are bold enough to face all these calamities.