Islamic Relief has begun delivering food aid to disaster affected communities in Bangladesh after heavy flooding displaced 284,888 people in the country, killing 18, and has impacted at least 4.9 million people, causing widespread suffering.
Following record levels of rainfall in some areas of Bangladesh this monsoon season, Islamic Relief is working on the frontlines of the aid response in impacted communities in Feni, Cumilla and Noakhali. It has begun distributing food aid to affected families after local markets were taken out of operation by the water. The organisation is also preparing to distribute Multipurpose cash, animal fodder for livestock and hygiene kits to those in need.
The floodwaters reached their peak on 22 August causing flooding in 11 districts in Bangladesh including some districts which don’t frequently experience such disasters, leaving communities with little preparedness. The standing water remains and further rainfall continues to be a concern.
The flash floods and subsequent waterlogging has disproportionately affected poor and vulnerable households. Over 944,584 people have been stranded and urgently need evacuation. Crops and fish have been washed away by the flash floods and roads blocked leaving many at risk of rising levels of hunger, with some living without shelter as homes have been damaged or destroyed.
The elderly, pregnant women and young children are among most at risk after being left with no shelter. Food, clean water, sanitation, housing, and concerns around protection of women and girls who have no roof to stay under are among the priorities. A total of 3,527 shelter centres have been opened to provide refuge for affected people. But many are still exposed to the elements.
Mohamed Shamsuzzaman, Programme Manager for Islamic Relief in Bangladesh, says:
“Thousands of people are homeless and sheltering under the open sky. Reaching survivors is extremely challenging as the floods have submerged major roads, damaged bridges, and disrupted communications networks.
“Most of these affected areas are not usually prone to disasters, so haven’t experienced this level of flooding before. It means that many communities are unprepared and don’t know how to respond.”
“Islamic Relief is providing communities with food after markets have been taken out of operation by the flooding. But the needs a high. This aid response is essential but is likely just the start of the recovery for these impacted communities of Bangladesh.”
Islamic Relief’s initial response is helping people in Feni, Comilla and Noakhali districts. Other affected districts include Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari