Flood Relief in Bangladesh

Thank you for your support of this project, I’m writing to share some updates on ActionAid’s work in response to the floods in Bangladesh.

Recent flooding has affected 11 districts in Bangladesh and has caused widespread devastation, claiming 59 lives and displacing over 0.7 million families. The floods impacted more than 5.3 million people across 504 municipalities, with thousands seeking refuge in shelter centers. Although the floodwaters have been gradually receding in many areas, the situation remains challenging in districts like Cumilla, Noakhali, and Laxmipur, where recovery is still ongoing. The government of Bangladesh has deployed medical teams, provided relief funds, and distributed essential supplies, but there is still a significant need for continued support.

ActionAid has been responding to urgent needs in flood-affected areas, by providing shelter, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, with a particular focus on supporting the most vulnerable groups, including women and children. By the end of August 2024, we distributed dignity kits to over 1,500 women and girls, provided over 28,000 hot meals, and delivered water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts, and baby food to affected families in shelter centers. As part of the next phase of response, ActionAid will continue delivery of the items above, and in addition, provide cash support and assistance with shelter repairs, as they are needed.

Beyond providing immediate humanitarian support, as is typical in our two-pronged emergency response which fuses short-and-long term approaches to recovery and relief, ActionAid will focus on climate change advocacy as well as the protection of vulnerable groups by advocating for stronger climate action and better disaster resilience, both nationally and globally. In addition, we are working to improve safeguarding measures in shelters, particularly addressing issues such as privacy, security, and gender-based violence to ensure that vulnerable people are well-protected. Our approach will also emphasize youth leadership and community involvement in recovery efforts, with a focus on amplifying the voices of those most affected by the floods in order to mitigate against future crises.

We appreciate your support of our efforts during this time and will continue to share updates as they are received. Thank you!