Dhaka/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva
Since mid-June, 14.6 million people in Bangladesh have been affected by severe floods. Homes, belongings and livelihoods have been swept away, and the latest floods from end of August have left more than half a million people displaced. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and partners, has launched an emergency appeal aimed at relief for those hit by floods in the northern, eastern and southern regions of the country.
With the latest flooding due to extreme rainfall in the south and east of Bangladesh since the end of August, districts face the worst flooding situation in more than 30 years. Furthermore, rainfall predictions indicate that Sylhet, Chattogram, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions may see even more extreme rain during September. A big part of the flooded areas, especially in the south and east, are areas that have not previously been subject to these kinds of floods. Communities are overwhelmed.
“The destruction caused by the current floods is immense. BDRCS plays an invaluable role, particularly in reaching people in inaccessible and remote areas. But more support is needed to provide the urgent aid and relief items needed.” said the Head of Delegation of the IFRC country delegation in Bangladesh, Alberto Bocanegra.
Prioritizing most affected communities
Through the emergency appeal, the BDRCS will focus on the most affected communities, with humanitarian assistance focused on access to water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, food security, livelihoods and health. The main focus of the relief work is focused on districts of Feni, Noakhali, Cumila and Lakhsmipur.
In these districts, assessments have found vast numbers of families with damaged houses, water and sanitation. Livelihoods have been severely impacted particularly in industries like agriculture and fish farming. Those with especially high needs include marginalized groups, and people displaced and living in collective centers, with relatives or in other people’s houses.
The Appeal
An IFRC emergency appeal for 7.5 million Swiss francs aims to reach 400,000 people, with the BDRCS ensuring the dignity, access, participation, and safety of the most vulnerable populations. This includes elderly people, children and adolescents, marginal-income farmers, female-headed households, pregnant women, widows, and persons with disabilities.
“Our volunteers have been on the ground from the day one of each flood, providing critical assistance. But support from our partners and the global community is essential to reach the families affected. We urge the international community to stand with Bangladesh during this critical time,” said Secretary General of the BDRCS, Kabir Md. Ashraf Alam.
The BDRCS work closely with communities, local authorities, and community leaders to assist the most affected families. Coordination with other agencies will be maintained to avoid any duplication of efforts.
You can see the emergency appeal here.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Dhaka:
Camilla Bruun Simonsen, +880 17 0451 4972
Al-Shahriar Rupam, +880 17 6177 5075
In Kuala Lumpur:
Afrhill Rances, +601 9271 3641
In Geneva
Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 7084367
Andrew Thomas: +41 76 3676587
