Bangladesh is facing its worst floods in a decade, and coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Amphan - the strongest in 30 years, they are devastating the remote, northern river islands of the country. Friendship NGO's comprehensive disaster preparedness and management interventions are fighting to preserve the lives, livelihoods and lifestyles of those affected, stemming from years of experience in the field doing the same. However, support is needed, given the enormity of the task.
The extreme remoteness of these islands make access to even necessities nigh impossible, and so the communities therein find it very difficult to get shelter and relief, given their infrastructure is so poor. That's every year - in 2020 they were already been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, when they were hit by Cyclone Amphan; the strongest in the region in a generation. And now the worst flood in a decade has hit. One disaster after another, they're unable to cope without assistance.
Friendship's interventions include short and long-term shelters for people and their livestock - an essential part of their livelihoods, along with nutrition relief for both. WASH interventions - tubewells, latrines, hygiene materials to keep infection at bay, especially given the global pandemic are also required. Medical camps and vaccinations for all manner of diseases will also be made available, and also seeds for replantation when waters subside to get people back on their feet.
While floods and storms are a yearly occurrence now, and pre-emptive measures are in place; this year has been particularly bad with the worst flood in years happening right in the middle of a global pandemic. Friendship's interventions will continue to save lives, empower, alleviate poverty and do climate actions that will have a long-term impact in enabling these communities to live with opportunity and hope, free to chase their potential without having to worry about basic necessities.
