| According to recent reports, the floods have affected numerous districts, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and public services. In the northeastern regions, for example, over 86 per cent of drinking water points and 84 per cent of sanitation facilities have been compromised. In response to a series of devastating floods affecting millions across Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has launched an emergency appeal seeking CHF 6,998,547 to provide urgent assistance to the flood-affected communities. The appeal aims to support nearly 400,000 people who have been impacted by the floods that have ravaged the northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions of the country since mid-June 2024. The floods, triggered by torrential rains and upstream water flows from neighboring countries, have displaced approximately 14.6 million people, causing widespread damage and significant disruptions to daily life. The northern regions, particularly those adjacent to the Jamuna River basin, experienced severe inundation due to heavy rainfall and water inflows from Nepal and India. The northeastern Haor region has been equally hard-hit, with floods caused by incessant rains from upstream Indian states and local downpours. In the southeastern part of Bangladesh, intense flooding has occurred due to a combination of heavy monsoon rains and a low-pressure system. According to recent reports, the floods have affected numerous districts, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and public services. In the northeastern regions, for example, over 86 per cent of drinking water points and 84 per cent of sanitation facilities have been compromised, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected populations. Meanwhile, in the southeastern regions, severe flooding has submerged large tracts of land, destroyed vital roads and bridges, and led to significant livestock and fisheries losses. Timely assistance In response to the unfolding crisis, the BDRCS, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the German Red Cross (GRC), and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, has activated its Flood Early Action Protocol (EAP) for the Jamuna River Basin. This proactive measure includes the mobilization of volunteers and the dissemination of early warning messages to ensure timely evacuations and safety measures for communities in Kurigram, Jamalpur, Sirajganj, and Tangail districts. The CHF 7 million appeal will focus on providing comprehensive relief and recovery support, including: Emergency Shelter and Food Assistance: Distributing tarpaulins, shelter toolkits, and emergency food supplies to displaced families and those with severely damaged homes. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Installing and repairing water points and latrines, and promoting hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases. Health Services: Deploying mobile medical teams to deliver primary health care, mental health support, and disease prevention services. Livelihood Support: Offering multipurpose cash assistance to help affected families meet urgent needs and restore their livelihoods through agricultural inputs and technical support. Protection and Community Engagement: Ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, and engaging communities in recovery efforts. BDRCS President Dr. Shaheen Anam emphasized the urgent need for international support, stating, “The scale of this disaster is unprecedented. We are calling on the global community to contribute generously to help us provide critical relief and support to the millions affected by these catastrophic floods. Our goal is to ensure that every person in need receives timely assistance and that communities are equipped to recover and rebuild.” |
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