Bangladesh is prone to natural flooding. Monsoon floods wreck havoc fast. In recent years the frequency of extreme flood have increased causing severe damage to life and livelihood. The flood this year has been dreadful. 22 districts are flooded. 4 million women, children and men are living marooned in water without shelter for ten days. 12 people died. Forecasts warn new districts will be flooded as the water is moving down streams. The project will support 500 flood affected families.
Heavy monsoon downpour infused with climate change have caused severe flooding in Bangladesh. Official report says 4 million women, men and children are affected. The number will rise as heavy rain is on the forecast. Hundred thousand hectares of cropland have been damaged. The poor communities have lost their belongings and living inside the flood water. Women suffer from lack of sanitation and personal hygiene. Children go hungry. Poor hygienic situation increases risk of disease outbreak.
The project will support 500 women, men and children in flood affected Jamalpur, Sirajganj, Tangail district and other downstream areas. We have already deployed emergency disaster response team and conducted needs assessment. Our disaster preparedness actions in Cox's Bazar Rohingya refugee camps have successfully reduced the initial impact of the flood. The project will provide hygene kit, food package and cash grants in other affected areas to meet emergency needs.
35 years of experience have taught us that disaster push underprivileged communities in deep poverty. The project will directly support 500 extreme poor families to protect against the shock and rise out of poverty and hunger. Hygiene kits will help reduce the risk of disease outbreak. But if the flood continues for a longer period of time, emergency support will not be enough and long term rehabilitation actions must be taken.
