Apprehending that there might be a massive flood in the 3rd week of August, Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud on Wednesday said they have directed the Water Development Board to take necessary steps to face the probable flood.

The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending the 3rd working session of the 2nd day of the three-day Deputy Commissioners’ conference at the Cabinet Division.

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury also joined the session.

Anisul claimed that what recently happened across the country was not flood but waterlogging caused by excessive rain. “Real flood occurs when the water level of the major rivers like Padma, Meghna and Jamuna marks a substantial rise,” he said.

Describing the river erosion as an alarming issue, he said it came up for discussion at the conference.

The minister also said at least 50 percent of the ministry’s next budget will be allocated for preventing the river erosion.