Bangladesh Floods: Affected Communities Look for Urgent Support as the Situation is Dire

Dhaka, 24 August 2024, Saturday: The ongoing flash floods in Bangladesh, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, and upstream water releases from India, have devastated 12 districts, leaving millions stranded and in desperate need of aid. According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, with nearly 5 million people affected and at least 18 lives lost, the situation is dire.

With roads cut off and communication networks down, Oxfam in Bangladesh is on the ground, delivering urgent life-saving support to the most vulnerable. The organization calls for urgent support as the country battles one of the worst flooding crises in recent memory.

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, expressed deep concern over the scale of the disaster: "This is one of the most severe flooding events Bangladesh has faced in recent years with millions stranded without access to essential resources. We urgently need the global community to stand with us in providing life-saving support to those most affected."

“On the ground, our colleagues are supporting the people in need. We also call on individuals, organizations, and communities to stand by affected communities,'" he added.  

The floodwaters have ravaged homes, destroyed critical infrastructure, and submerged vast agricultural land across districts, including Cumilla, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Feni district has been particularly hard hit, with residents struggling to survive amid limited access to food, clean water, and medical care. 

The disaster has rendered over 2,000 mobile towers inoperative and severed key rail and road connections, severely hampering communication and the coordination of relief efforts. The floods have also displaced around 200,000 people and damaged over 350,000 hectares of crops, threatening food security in the coming months. With 1.1 million people still without electricity, the disruption to communication networks continues to pose significant challenges.

Nazrul Islam, a resident of Feni district, described the reality: "We have lost everything. Our home, which once sheltered us, is now completely submerged under water. We have no food to eat, no clean water to drink, and no place to turn to for help. We are struggling to survive each day, praying for any assistance that can help us make it through this nightmare."

Along with partners, Oxfam is also responding to the situation, addressing immediate lifesaving needs. In the coming weeks, Oxfam plans to intensify its efforts, addressing critical needs in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), protection, shelter, and livelihood assistance. These include distributing dignity kits, baby food, cooked meals, and sanitation facilities.

Oxfam urgently seeks EUR 3 million to reach 170,000 people to respond to this escalating crisis effectively. Additionally, EUR 5 million is required for long-term rehabilitation efforts to support 300,000 people through the restoration of WASH facilities, shelter repairs, and rebuilding of livelihoods and community infrastructure. Oxfam's priority intervention locations include Feni, Noakhali, Chittagong, the Hill Tracts, and Moulvibazar.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) warns of continued heavy rainfall over the next 72 hours, making the situation precarious. Oxfam is committed to staying with these communities throughout the crisis and recovery phase, but we cannot do it alone. We need your help now more than ever.