Red Cross Red Crescent launches appeal as floods continue to threaten population in Bangladesh
7 August 2002

The continued and rapid erosion of river banks in Bangladesh as monsoon floods worsen, is posing a serious threat to people living in low-lying areas or sheltering on embankments, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned today.

More than 3.5 million people in half of the country's 64 districts have been affected by flash floods caused by exceptionally heavy monsoon rains which have arrived early this year in Bangladesh. Many people are living in unhygienic conditions in temporary shelters on embankments or any available high ground.

"There is an urgent need for food, especially among the very poor families in affected areas who've lost homes or have been displaced over many weeks. In addition, the widespread damage to crops has caused food prices to rise, making the situation even more difficult for disadvantaged groups," says Tony Maryon, head of the International Federation's delegation in Bangladesh. More than 50% of the general population already lives below the poverty line.

An International Federation appeal launched today for 2 million Swiss francs (1.3 million US dollars) will help the Bangladesh Red Crescent provide food, blankets, medicines and medical care for 150,000 displaced people. The release of 170,000 Swiss francs (113,000 US dollars) from the International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund will allow for the immediate purchase of relief supplies.

With safe drinking water also in short supply as floodwaters contaminate water sources, 18 million water purification tablets will also be distributed. Outbreaks of diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery and dengue fever have already been reported.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent has already assisted more than 7,000 families with emergency relief supplies from its buffer stocks in the past month. It is also continuing its field assessments, together with the International Federation, to gauge the full extent of the disaster in north, northeast, east, south east and central Bangladesh and many more people may be in need of assistance. The situation could worsen in the coming week with floodwaters pouring into Bangladesh from neighbouring states in India, which is also hit by severe monsoon floods. Nepal too, has been bit by floods and landslides.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Jemini Pandya, Acting Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 45 70 / 41 79 416 38 81 (duty phone)
Marie-Françoise Borel, Press Officer - Tel: + 41 22 730 43 46 / 41 79 217 33 45

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.