Make concerted efforts to tackle post-flood situation

The current floods might be prolonged if the sea level remains high, they added.

The seminar on 'Flood-2004' was organised by the Centre for Water, Environment and Energy (CWEE), a non-governmental organisation, at the National Press Club.

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WASA Managing Director ANH Akhtar Hossain said this year's flood has surpassed all previous records in some districts including Sylhet.

He said the floods might cause more damage if the sea level remains high and more rain takes place.

IUCN Country Representative Dr Ainun Nishat said the flood situation might be worsened as there are chances of rain.

He said damage caused by the floods depends on how long it will prolong.

Dr Nishat said more attention has to be given to protect the river embankments.

Speaking as chief guest, Food and Disaster Management Minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yousuf said it is really difficult for the government alone to tackle the flood situation.

" As flood is a natural phenomenon in Bangladesh, we have to think how the damage caused by floods could be minimised," he added.

"It is very difficult to reach relief materials to every people as more than two crore people have been affected by the current floods," said the minister.

CWEE Chairperson Hasna Moudud said Bangladesh will have to reach agreement with neighboring countries on flood forecasting to reduce the flood damages.