"Areas of inundation could be reduced to a great extent provided that the administration had prior knowledge of vulnerability of the embankments and bridges and acted in time," he said at a press briefing at his ministry conference room.

Referring to his visit to flood-affected Kurigram and Sirajganj districts along with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, the adviser said damaged flood embankments and bridges let the vast areas of these districts to be submerged.

He said around 46 lakh people have been affected in 36 districts where 38 people have so far died in the current flooding.

The flood has caused damages to crops of around 600000 acres of land, 3370km of roads fully and 8144km partly, 44km of embankments fully and 363km partly, 82 educational institutions fully and 1766 partly, 14 bridges and culverts fully and 178 partly, he added.

Replying to a question, the adviser said the overall flood situation is not so worst right now that a state of 'national disaster' should be declared.

Asked if the political parties could launch relief operation for flood-victims, the adviser said anyone can come to the aid of affected people, but "I cannot say for sure if the political parties can took part in relief operations using their banners. There has been no decision yet in this regard."

Tapan said he does not feel that the government should appeal to political parties to come to the aid of the flood victims.

"This is our country and we all can help each other individually or collectively. No separate appeal is needed for political parties," he added.

The government has enough food reserve and these are being distributed as per the requirements of flood-affected areas, he said, adding, "The finance adviser has assured that he would allocate required amount of money to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people."

Tapan said the government has a reserve of over 10 lakh tonnes of food grains apart from importing more food grains.

"We are also taking preparations in advance to supply sufficient amount of seeds and fertilisers to help farmers in preparing seedbeds with the recession of flood waters," he added.

Asked about government's initiative to supply water purifiers in the affected areas, the adviser said, "We do not have mobile water treatment plants, but we are distributing water purifying tablets. We already gave away over 89,000 tablets."

He said the relief so far allocated by the food and disaster management ministry includes 9200 metric tonnes of rice as GR, Tk 2 crore in cash as GR, Tk 1.25 crore as house grants, and Tk 50 lakh for rescue operations.

The adviser said the European Union has declared an assistance of $2 million for flood victims and the government has welcomed it.