Strive to restore normality through concerted efforts

ALTHOUGH severe flash floods and heavy rains have impacted many parts of the country, it is time for everyone to make utmost efforts to restore normalcy through rehabilitation and reconstruction for the loss and damage to people’s property.

Most rural communities have suffered significant losses due to the recent natural disasters. Many have lost their livelihoods as they are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. According to statistics released by relevant departments on 21 September, a total of 2,149 buildings were completely destroyed by the disasters in 56 townships, along with 126,023 flooded houses.

Moreover, a total of 148,643 people are suffering from the impacts of natural disasters. In the incident, 384 people died in the incidents, with 89 still missing. Additionally, 546 schools and 435 religious buildings were damaged, while 144,998 animals lost their lives, and 735,461 acres of paddy plantations were submerged.

Crops such as paddy, pulses, beans, and sesame were flooded. As a result, farmers may face challenges in regrowing paddy once the water recedes. Nevertheless, the government has pledged to provide assistance to farmers as much as possible. Therefore, farmers are encouraged to grow summer paddy on all available acreage to compensate for the damaged monsoon crops. With heavy rains filling the dams, agricultural water will be available at full capacity for summer crops.

Additionally, many livestock and other animals died due to the heavy rains and flash floods. The government is prepared to offer aid for operating livestock breeding farms to support the farmers. Currently, the government prioritizes managing food and accommodation for flood-affected individuals. Meanwhile, relevant organizations will assist with farmland preparations, cultivation, and livestock farming measures.

In the upcoming October, farmers will commence cultivation of winter crops. It is time to plant pulses, beans, and other crops, along with summer paddy. The government will provide quality seeds, fertile soil, water, and agricultural techniques, along with financial support, enabling farmers to rebuild their lives in normalcy.

Now, these submerged lands of crop plantations will be repaired to regrow cold-season crops so as to improve the socioeconomic life of farmers. However, people should not worry about food security as the government has restored about four million tonnes of rice reserves in warehouses for public consumption. If all flood-affected people try hard to overcome challenges in all measures through united strength, they can achieve a better socioeconomic life in the near future.

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