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As of Wednesday, August 21, 2024, torrential flash floods have inundated various regions of Bangladesh, causing widespread devastation and displacing countless individuals. The rapid rise in water levels has created an alarming situation, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and vigilant during this critical time.
According to the Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the country is experiencing a severe flood event, with water levels surpassing the danger mark in multiple locations. The FFWC website (http://www.ffwc.gov.bd/) provides crucial information for tracking the flood situation, offering a range of maps and data to help users stay updated.
The FFWC website features river-based, division-based, district-based, and Web-GIS maps that categorize water levels into four distinct categories: normal level (when water is more than 50 cm below the danger level), warning level (when water is within 50 cm below the danger level), flood level (when water is above the danger level), and severe flood level (when water is more than 1 m above the danger level). These maps enable users to quickly assess the severity of the flood situation in their area and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.
In addition to the FFWC website, Google’s Flood Hub initiative provides another valuable resource for tracking the flood situation in Bangladesh. Flood Hub is an AI-based, real-time global flood forecasting platform that utilizes various data sources to generate accurate predictions.
The majority of Flood Hub’s forecasts rely on publicly available weather data from several reputable sources, including ECMWF forecasts, CPC rain gauge measurements, IMERG precipitation data, and satellite imagery from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel-1. Sentinel-1, a C-band SAR satellite, plays a crucial role in providing imagery that algorithms use to calculate the extent of flooded areas.
However, in the case of Bangladesh, Flood Hub goes a step further by incorporating local historical and real-time data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). This collaboration ensures that the flood forecasts for Bangladesh are as accurate and region-specific as possible, taking into account the unique hydrological characteristics of the country.
The integration of local data from the BWDB into Flood Hub’s forecasting model is a testament to the importance of collaboration between global tech initiatives and local government agencies. By working together, they can provide the most accurate and relevant information to the people of Bangladesh, helping them to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions during this challenging time.
As the flood situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to regularly check both the FFWC website and Google’s Flood Hub for updates. By staying informed about the latest developments, people can better prepare themselves and their communities to face the challenges posed by the flash floods.
Moreover, it is essential for government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to work together to provide relief and support to those affected by the floods. This includes setting up temporary shelters, distributing food and clean water, and ensuring access to medical care for those in need.
In conclusion, the torrential flash floods in Bangladesh serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on communities. By utilizing the resources provided by the FFWC and Google’s Flood Hub, individuals can stay informed and take necessary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. It is through collective efforts and solidarity that the people of Bangladesh can overcome this challenging time and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the floods.
