Bangladesh Cyclone Sidr Update

3rd December 2007 (updated from 28th Nov 2007)



• The current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 3,292 by the Disaster Management Bureau. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.
• According to government updates, 8 million people of over 2 million families have been affected in 200 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed and 6 million houses partially damaged, at least 1475 tubewells damaged. Over 8000 educational institutions have completely destroyed.
• Over 2 million acres of crops have been damaged or totally destroyed.
• About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A potion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.
• Road communication has improved, however electricity supply has still not been restored. The Rural Electrification board has reported that about 20,000 kms of power supply lines have been damaged.
• Outbreak of different diseases like diarrhoea, respiratory problems, fever and typhoid is spreading in the cyclone hit areas. Diarrhoea is most reported as fresh drinking water is still scarce and ponds and canals are polluted with rotting carcasses of animals.

Narrative

Country Level Update

Cyclone Sidr on the 15th November caused nightmare in Bangladesh. Ripping through the south western coast killing thousands of people, demolishing houses, crops, livestock left a trail of devastation over thousands of square kilometres. The winds reached 240km per hour hitting the coast at 7.30 pm on 15th November and cutting off all communications and utility services across the country.

Despite evacuation of hundreds of people, the country still suffered a high number of deaths. As of 2nd December, the current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 3,292 and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

According to government updates, over 8 million people of over 2 million families have been affected in 200 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed, 6 million houses partially damaged and at least 1475 tube-wells damaged. Over 8000 educational institutions have been destroyed. The education sector has been hard hit- academic activities of around 10,000 institutions have been badly damaged.

Dead bodies are still being collected and in many areas mass burials have had to be carried out without proper religious rites. It is reported that there is stench of rotting bodies and animal carcasses in the most hard hit areas. Road communication has improved, however electricity supply has still not been restored. The Rural Electrification board has reported that about 20,000 kms of power supply lines have been damaged.

About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A portion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.


Emergency Interventions

The government has so far sanctioned funds of Taka 507 million for housing in the cyclone hit areas, priority is being given to Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Jhalakati, Bhola, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Khulna and Satkhira. The armed forces are working with the government to provide relief for the people, and restore the utilities and communications. In addition to the funds allocated, GOB has also distributed rice, food bags, blankets, tents, utensils and corrugated iron sheets

The international community continues to pledge more aid for the cyclone-hit victims. World Bank alone has promised $250 million in aid. Together with the US Army the Bangladesh Armed forces are working non-stop to deliver relief goods.


Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide, Bangladesh has deployed Concern staff and partner organisation staff to distribute relief to the affected and extremely poor families, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication with relief operations by other NGOs.

Concern with funding from ECHO (Euro 580,000), People in Need (€18,000) and Irish Aid (€100,000) started relief operations in Barguna and Patuakhali districts for 26,000 extreme poor families from 24th November and this phase of relief will be completed by 3rd December. It has been estimated that over 250 thousand families have been affected in these two districts. Concern sets priority to assist those families who have the least coping capacity and in areas where the response by other organisations may be limited. The relief package being given includes both food and non-food material. The relief package fixed according to International Sphere Standards will provide food for 15 days for each family. The relief operation will be implemented through three partner organisations – Speed Trust (Patuakhali), Dhaka Ahsania Mission- DAM (Barguna) and Sangram (Barguna). As of 3rd December 07 i.e. today, relief has been completed for 26,000 families (16,000 in Barguna and 10,000 in Patuakhali).

Details of working locations and number of families receiving relief (24 Nov-3 Dec 2007)



















Irish Aid has also pledged to give another €150,000 to the cyclone relief activities while Concern will spend €250,000 of its own general donations on cyclone related relief and rehabilitation The planning for this is ongoing and will be finalised this week, due to start on 10th Dec.

Emergency Response - Cyclone "Sidr", 26 November 2007

Click on chart to enlarge.

Bangladesh Cyclone Sidr Update

25th November 2007 (updated from 22nd Nov 2007)

• The current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 3,060 by the Disaster Managemnt Bureau. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

• According to government updates, 6.8 million people of over 1.6 million families have been affected in 200 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed and 6 million houses partially damaged, at least 1475 tubewells damaged. Over 8000 educational institutions have completely destroyed.

• Over 2.6 million hectares of crops have been damaged or totally destroyed.

• About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A potion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.

• Road communication has improved.

Narrative

Country Level Update

Cyclone Sidr on the 15th November caused nightmare in Bangladesh. Ripping through the south western coast killing thousands of people, demolishing houses, crops, livestock left a trail of devastation over thousands of square kilometres. The winds reached 240km per hour hitting the coast at 7.30 pm on 15th November and cutting off all communications and utility services across the country.

Despite evacuation of hundreds of people, the country still suffered a high number of deaths. As of 25th November, the current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 3,060 and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

According to government updates, over 6.8 million people of over 1.6 million families have been affected in 200 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed, 6 million houses partially damaged and at least at least 1475 tube-wells damaged. Over 8000 educational institutions have been destroyed. The education sector has been hard hit- academic activities of around 10,000 institutions have been badly damaged.
Dead bodies are still being collected and in many areas mass burials have had to be carried out without proper religious rites. It is reported that there is stench of rotting bodies and animal carcasses in the most hard hit areas. Road communication has improved.

About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A portion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.

Emergency Interventions

The government has so far sanctioned funds of US$7.1 million for housing in the cyclone hit areas, priority is being given to Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Jhalakati, Bhola, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Khulna and Satkhira. The armed forces are working with the government to provide relief for the people, and restore the utilities and communications. Dry food is being provided, however, many areas are still hard to reach and these people are facing acute crisis of food and fresh drinking water.

The international community continues to pledge more aid for the cyclone-hit victims. World Bank alone has promised $250 million in aid. Most of the small and local NGOs are also mobilising their own resources to do as much as they can for the cyclone victims. For example Concern’s partner organisations such as Sangram and Speed Trust have aided in rescue operations, mobilised local people to take care of mass burials, distributed dry food and other food rations for some families to address immediate food crisis. These small NGOs also arranged for transport of injured persons to nearest places for medical aid.

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide, Bangladesh has deployed Concern staff and partner organisation staff to distribute relief to the affected and extremely poor families, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication with relief operations by other NGOs.

Concern with funding from ECHO (Euro 580,000), People in Need (€18,000) and Irish Aid (€100,000) started relief operations in Barguna and Patuakhali districts for 26,000 extreme poor families from 24th November and this phase of relief will be completed by 29th November. It has been estimated that over 250 thousand families have been affected in these two districts. Concern sets priority to assist those families who have the least coping capacity and in areas where the response by other organisations may be limited. The relief package being given includes both food and non-food material. The relief package fixed according to International Sphere Standards will provide food for 15 days for each family. The relief operation will be implemented through three partner organisations – Speed Trust (Patuakhali) , Dhaka Ahsania Mission- DAM (Barguna) and Sangram (Barguna).

Details of working locations and number of families receiving relief (24-29 Nov 2007)















Irish Aid has also pledged to give another €150,000 to the cyclone relief activities while Concern will spend €250,000 of its own general donations on cyclone related relief and rehabilitation The planning for this is ongoing and will be finalised this week, due to start on 10th Dec.

Bangladesh Cyclone Sidr Update

22nd November 2007 (updated from 20th Nov 2007)



• The current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 2982 by the government while the armed forces say it is 3167. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

• According to government updates, over 4 million people of over 1.5 million families have been affected in 141 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed and 6 million houses partially damaged, at least 1475 tubewells damaged. Over 8000 educational institutions have completely destroyed.

• Over 2.6 million hectares of crops have been damaged or totally destroyed.

• About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A potion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.

• Road communication is gradually improving. There is shortage of fresh water overall and of food and shelter.

Narrative

Country Level Update

Cyclone Sidr on the 15th November caused nightmare in Bangladesh. Ripping through the south western coast killing thousands of people, demolishing houses, crops, livestock left a trail of devastation over thousands of square kilometres. The winds reached 240km per hour hitting the coast at 7.30 pm on 15th November and cutting off all communications and utility services across the country.

Despite evacuation of hundreds of people, the country still suffered a high number of deaths. As of 22nd November, The current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 2982 by the government while the armed forces say it is 3167. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

According to government updates, over 4 million people of over 1.5 million families have been affected in 141 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed, 6 million houses partially damaged and at least at least 1475 tube-wells damaged. Over 8000 educational institutions have been destroyed. Dead bodies are still being collected and in many areas mass burials have had to be carried out without proper religious rites. It is reported that there is stench of rotting bodies and animal carcasses in the most hard hit areas. Road communication is improving. There is shortage of fresh water overall and of food and shelter.

About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A portion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.


Emergency Interventions

The government has sanctioned funds for housing in the cyclone hit areas, priority is being given to Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Jhalakati, Bhola, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Khulna and Satkhira. Furthermore the government will be giving VGF cards to 2.5 million families from the 1st of December. Over 730 medical teams are working in these affected areas. The armed forces are working with the government to provide relief for the people, and restore the utilities and communications. Dry food is being provided, however, many areas are still hard to reach and these people are facing acute crisis of food and fresh drinking water.

The international community continues to pledge more aid for the cyclone-hit victims. World Bank alone has promised $250 million in aid. Most of the small and local NGOs are also mobilising their own resources to do as much as they can for the cyclone victims. For example Concern’s partner organisations such as Sangram and Speed Trust have aided in rescue operations, mobilised local people to take care of mass burials, distributed dry food and other food rations for some families to address immediate food crisis. These small NGOs also arranged for transport of injured persons to nearest places for medical aid.


Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide, Bangladesh has deployed Concern staff and partner organisation staff to assess the extent of the disaster and identify the areas and communities which need help acutely, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication with relief operations by other NGOs.

Concern with funding from ECHO (Euro 580,000) and Concern General Donations (Euro 116,123) has started relief operations in Barguna and Patuakhali districts for 26,000 extreme poor families. Families have been identified and procurement of goods is on-going. It has been estimated that over 250 thousand families have been affected in these two districts. Concern sets priority to assist those families who have the least coping capacity and in areas where the response by other organisations may be limited. The relief package being given includes both food and non-food material (see details in Map). The relief package fixed according to international Sphere Standards will provide food for 15 days for each family. The relief operation will be implemented through three partner organisations – Speed Trust (Patuakhali) , Dhaka Ahsania Mission- DAM (Barguna) and Sangram (Barguna).

Details of working location and number of families to be covered

Concern has also applied to Irish Aid for Euro 100,000 in funds and is planning another longer term project incorporating both relief and rehabilitation interventions for the cyclone hit families. This proposal will be finalised by Saturday.

Kieron Crowley, Bangladesh Country Director of Concern, was interviewed on radio RTÉ

Kieron Crawley, the Bangladesh Country Director of Concern, was interviewed on RTE (national radio in Ireland) on the last Monday, 19 November 2007. Kieron says the people in Bangladesh are very resilient and also the government and civil society here has done a lot of work to prepare for such disasters.

RTÉ is a Public Service Broadcaster, a non-profit making organisation owned by the Irish people. RTÉ is Ireland's cross-media leader, providing comprehensive and cost-effective free-to-air television, radio and online services, which are of the highest quality and are impartial.Kieron says the people there are very resilient and a lot of work has been done to prepare for such disasters.

The clip can hear at the following link.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1119/morningireland.html

Bangladesh Cyclone Sidr Update

20th November 2007 (updated from 19th Nov 2007)



• The current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 2753 by the government while the armed forces say it is 3113. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

• According to government updates, over 4 million people of over one million families have been affected in 141 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed and 6 million houses partially damaged. Over 790 educational insitutions have completely destroyed and about 4400 partially.

• About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A potion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.

• Road communication is gradually improving. There is shortage of fresh water overall and of food and shelter

Narrative

Country Level Update

Cyclone Sidr on the 15th November caused nightmare in Bangladesh. Ripping through the south western coast killing thousands of people, demolishing houses, crops, livestock left a trail of devastation over thousands of square kilometres. The winds reached 240km per hour hitting the coast at 7.30 pm on 15th November and cutting off all communications and utility services across the country.

Despite evacuation of hundreds of people, the country still suffered a high number of deaths. As of 20th November, The current death toll after Cyclone Sidr has been put at 2753 by the government while the armed forces say it is 3113. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 10,000.

According to government updates, over 4 million people of over one million families have been affected in 141 upazilas. Over 3 million houses have been totally destroyed and 6 million houses partially damaged. Over 790 educational institutions have completely destroyed and about 4400 partially. Dead bodies are still being collected and in many areas mass burials have had to be carried out without proper religious rites. It is reported that there is stench of rotting bodies and animal carcasses in the most hard hit areas. Road communication is improving. There is shortage of fresh water overall and of food and shelter.

About a hundred thousand hectares of the Sundarbans forest has been damaged. A potion of this forest that has been totally damaged will not re-grow while the areas partially damaged will re-grow.

Emergency Interventions

The government has sanctioned Tk 35 crore for housing in the cyclone hit areas, priority is being given to Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Jhalakati, Bhola, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Khulna and Satkhira. Currently 732 medical teams are working in these areas. Rescue operations are being carried out by the army, air force and navy. Dry food is being provided, however, many areas are still hard to reach and these people are facing acute crisis of food and fresh drinking water.

The government has welcomed assistance form the international community. The donors have so far pledged $142 million in aid. After two floods this year, Bangladesh economy will be hard hit. The international community, i.e. the UN, EU, Germany, USA, UK, Saudi Arabia and others have expressed that they will make funds available to respond to Bangladesh’s disaster.

Most of the small and local NGOs are also mobilising their won resources to do as much as they can for the cyclone victims. For example Concern’s partner organisations such as Sangram and Speed Trust have aided in rescue operations, mobilised local people to take care of mass burials, distributed dry food and other food rations for some families to address immediate food crisis. These small NGOs also arranged for transport of injured persons to nearest places for medical aid.

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide, Bangladesh is continuously monitored the situation and has deployed Concern staff and partner organisation staff to assess the extent of the disaster and identify the areas and communities which need help acutely, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication with relief operations by other NGOs.

Concern with funding from ECHO (Euro 580,000) and Concern General Donations (Euro 100,000) has started relief operations in Barguna and Patuakhali districts for 26,000 extreme poor families. It has been estimated that over 250 thousand families have been affected, death toll so far 1903 in these two districts. Concern sets priority to assist those families who have the least coping capacity and in areas where the response by other organisations may be limited. The relief package being given includes both food and non-food material (see details in Map). The relief package fixed according to international Sphere Standards will provide food for 15 days for each family. The relief operation will be implemented through three partner organisations – Speed Trust (Patuakhali) , Dhaka Ahsania Mission- DAM (Barguna) and Sangram (Barguna).

Details of working location and number of families to be covered

Bangladesh Cyclone SIDR Update

19th November 2007


· Disaster management control room reported 2,300 people dead in 23 districts due to the Cyclone Sidr which hit Bangladesh on 15th November. It is also reported from different sources that over 4,000 people are seriously injured. The Bangladesh Red Crescent has expressed fears that the death toll will cross 10,000
· Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 5,000.
· It is estimated that the cyclone has affected 887,000 families of 103 upazilas, killed 242,000 livestock and destroyed crops on 23,000 acres of land and flattened nearly three million houses.
· Road communication with southern districts was disrupted due to fallen tress and debris caused by the cyclone. Many of the affected areas are inaccessible and can be reached only by helicopter.
· The whole country suffered electricity shortage and subsequent shortage in water supplies in the major cities from night of 15th. Dhaka city returned to normalcy after 36 hours. Countrywide, there are still problems in electricity supply.
· There are extreme shortages in food supplies and shelter in the affected areas.

Narrative

Country Level Update

Cyclone Sidr on the 15th November caused nightmare in Bangladesh. Ripping through the south western coast killing thousands of people, demolishing houses, crops, livestock left a trail of devastation over thousands of square kilometres. The winds reached 240km per hour hitting the coast at 7.30 pm on 15th November and cutting off all communications and utility services across the country.

Despite evacuation of hundreds of people, the country still suffered a high number of deaths. As of 18th November, the disaster management control room reported death of 2,300 people in 23 districts due to the Cyclone Sidr. It is also reported from different sources that nearly 4,000 people are seriously injured. Thousands are still missing and it is unofficially forecasted that the dead and missing will be over 5,000. It is estimated that the cyclone has affected 887,000 families of 103 upazilas, killed 242,000 livestock and destroyed crops on 23,000 acres of land and flattened nearly three million houses.

According to an official of the Agriculture Extension department crop loss will be more than Tk 49.7 billion. Tidal waves 6-7 feet high engulfed the coastal areas washing away everything in their path. The actual destruction in the Sundarbans (the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger) cannot be ascertained. Aerial footage by the national TV channels have shown dead wildlife amongst broken vegetation and forestation. There are extreme shortages in water and food supplies and shelter in the affected areas.

Dead bodies are being collected and in many areas mass burials have had to be carried out without proper religious rites. Road communication with southern districts was disrupted due to fallen trees and debris caused by the cyclone. Many of the affected areas are inaccessible and can be reached only by helicopter. This is hampering relief and rescue operations. Steps are being taken by the government and army to restore road network and power supply across the country to normalcy as soon possible.

The whole country suffered electricity shortage and subsequent shortage in water supplies in the major cities from night of 15th. Dhaka city returned to normalcy after 36 hours. Countrywide, there are still problems in electricity supply.

Emergency Interventions

The government has sanctioned Tk 35 crore for housing in the cyclone hit areas, priority is being given to Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Jhalakati, Bhola, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Khulna and Satkhira. Currently 732 medical teams are working in these areas. Rescue operations are being carried out by the army, air force and navy. Dry food is being provided, however, many areas are still hard to reach and these people are facing acute crisis of food and fresh drinking water.

The government welcomes assistance form the international community. The donors have pledged $25 million in aid. After two floods this year, Bangladesh economy will be hard hit. The international community, i.e. the UN, EU, Germany, USA, UK and others have expressed that they will make funds available to respond to Bangladesh’s disaster.

WFP has sent dry food to the affected areas and the Red Crescent has 42,000volunteers working in these areas. Red Crescent will be providing non-food materials such as clothes, water-purifying tablets and medicine to the coastal districts. National NGOs like BRAC have mobilised its funds for the response and deployed 2,500 staff round the clock to help in the worst affected coastal districts. Similarly many INGOs and donors are making assessments and preparations to respond as soon as possible.

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide, Bangladesh continuously monitored the situation and deployed Concern staff and partner organisation staff to assess the extent of the disaster and identify the areas and communities which need help acutely, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication with relief operations by other NGOs.

Concern has been in communication with EC and is forming a proposal to assist 26,000 extremely poor families in Patuakhali and Barguna. It has been estimated that over 250 thousand families have been affected, death toll so far 1487 in these two districts. The relief package being proposed includes both food and non-food material (see details in Map). Concern is receiving funds of Euro 580,000 from EC and Euro100,000 from Concern General Donations. The relief operations have started today in the target areas.

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

20th September 2007 (numbers updated from 16th September)


• Though it was forecast that the capital, Dhaka would not be hit by the second phase of floods, rivers around the capital are flowing anew above the danger mark, inundating the city’s low-lying areas, causing thousands to take shelter again in government institutions.
• The flood situation in most of the northern districts have improved while flood waters are gradually receding in the north-eastern, central and south-central districts
• The floods have affected over 12 million people of 43 districts and hundreds of thousands of people had taken shelter. With the receding floods, people are returning home and there are currently over 61,500 people in 167 shelters, while there are thousands of others on embankments and roads.
• The death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 970 since flooding began in July.
• The damage to homes, educational institutions, roads, embankments, bridges and culverts have been massive
• Recently replanted paddy crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been destroyed by the flood water. Erosion has washed away large chunks of the land of many villages, even total villages.

Forecast

• According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) the rivers around the capital will continue to rise in the next 3 days.
• The water levels in the Ganges-Padma and Brahmaputra-Jamuna rivers is receding and is likely to continue this trend over the next 24-72 hours.

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 16th September)

Since Thursday 6th September floods started afresh and these have compounded the damage caused by the August floods. The flood waters are much stronger, sweeping away and damaging everything in its path. The floods have affected over 12 million people of 43 districts and hundreds of thousands of people had taken shelter. With the receding floods, people are returning home and there are currently over 61,500 people in 167 shelters, while there are thousands of others on embankments and roads. The health services directorate general said death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 970 since flooding began in July.

Though it was forecast that the capital, Dhaka would not be hit by the second phase of floods, rivers around the capital are flowing anew above the danger mark, inundating the city’s low-lying areas, causing thousands to take shelter again in government institutions. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) the rivers around the capital will continue to rise in the next 3 days.

The water level in the Ganges-Padma and Brahmaputra-Jamuna rivers are receding and this is likely to continue this trend over the next 24-72 hours. The flood situation in most of the northern districts have improved while flood waters are gradually receding in the north-eastern, central and south-central districts

After the August flood waters had receded many farmers started to replant their fields however, with the September floods all of this has been for nothing. The transplanted paddy crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been inundated by the flood water. This erosion has been even more serious washing away whole villages especially in the northern districts. The destruction to infrastructure has been severe.

Emergency Interventions

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide with its partner organisations conducted search and rescue operations and rescued 451 families from the chars and eroding riverbanks during the second phase of floods. The flood affected families were rescued with as much of their belongings as possible.

Concern Worldwide completed its previously planned relief operations on 17th September for 31,000 families in 10 of the most severely affected districts hit by floods which have devastated parts of Bangladesh last month. The districts are Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Gaibandha, Bogra, Manigonj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Jamalpur, Sherpur and Rajbari. Extremely poor families – many of whom have lost what little assets they own, have been given special focus as recipients for relief packages. The relief packages consist of both food and non-food items. The relief package for each family include: 30 kg rice, 3 kg lentils (pulse), 2 litres vegetable oil, 1 kg salt, 10 packets of soya protein biscuits, 5 ORS packets and 3 pieces of soap. This operation was funded by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO).

Another phase of relief distribution (funded by Concern Worldwide) targeting 24,500 families in the 8 districts of Tangail, Nilphamari, Sirajgonj, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Rajbari, districts was carried out between 9th and 23rd August.

Previously Concern completed a relief response to an initial 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur between 31st July and 9th August funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA). 41.76 tons of High Energy Biscuits supplied by World Food Programme (WFP) and targeted specifically at children were distributed to 13,917 families in Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura during 12-15 August.

For emergency response, Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan. The funding received so far are from: ECHO (€500,000), Irish Aid (€441,000); JOA (about €34,000) and Credit Union (€10,000). Concern Worldwide headquarter has also launched a flood appeal to raise money to support the flood victims.

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

16th September 2007 (numbers updated from 13th September)

• Water level in the major rivers is falling and floods are gradually receding
• The flood situation in the north and north-eastern districts is improving, however in the central and south-central districts the situation has further deteriorated
• The floods have affected over 12 million people of 43 districts and hundreds of thousands of people have taken shelter on higher ground e.g embankments and roadsides as well as government buildings
• The death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 874 since flooding began in July.
• The damage to homes, educational institutions, roads, embankments, bridges and culverts have been massive
• Recently transplanted paddy crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been destroyed by the flood water. Erosion has washed away large chunks of land, even total villages.

Forecast
• According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) the flood situation in the South-central part of the country is deteriorating and is likely to continue this trend over the next 24-72 hours.
• Fear of flooding in the capital city as previously forecasted has been allayed.

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 11th September)

Since Thursday 6th September floods have started afresh and these have compounded the damage caused by the August floods. The flood waters are much stronger, sweeping away and damaging everything in its path. The floods have affected over 12 million people in 43 districts, five more districts affected compared to August floods. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken shelter on higher ground e.g embankments and roadsides as well as government buildings.

The health services directorate general said death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 874 since flooding began in July. Patients with diarrhoea are again increasing and in Lalmonirhat district alone, 250 patients have been admitted in the last three days

After the August flood waters had receded many farmers started to replant their fields however, with the September floods all of this has been for nothing. The transplanted paddy crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been inundated by the flood water. This the erosion has been even more serious washing away whole villages especially in the northern districts. The destruction to infrastructure is severe.

Emergency Interventions

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide with its partner organisations conducted search and rescue operations and rescued 451 families from the chars and eroding riverbanks. The flood affected families were rescued with as much of their belongings as possible.
Concern Worldwide continues its previously planned relief operations from 4th September to distribute relief to 31,000 families in 10 of the most severely affected districts hit by floods which have devastated parts of Bangladesh last month. The districts are Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Gaibandha, Bogra, Manigonj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Jamalpur, Sherpur and Rajbari. The distribution in Jamalpur and Sherpur have been slightly revised due to the fresh flooding. Extremely poor families – many of whom have lost what little assets they own, have been given special focus as recipients for relief packages. The relief packages consist of both food and non-food items. The relief package for each family include: 30 kg rice, 3 kg lentils (pulse), 2 litres vegetable oil, 1 kg salt, 10 packets of soya protein biscuits, 5 ORS packets and 3 pieces of soap. This operation is being funded by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO).

Previously Concern completed a relief response to an initial 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur between 31st July and 9th August funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA). 41.76 tons of High Energy Biscuits supplied by World Food Programme (WFP) and targeted specifically at children were distributed to 13,917 families in Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura during 12-15 August.

Another phase of relief distribution (funded by Concern Worldwide) targeting 24,500 families in the 8 districts of Tangail, Nilphamari, Sirajgonj, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Rajbari, districts was carried out between 9th and 23rd August.
For emergency response, Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan. The funding received so far are from: ECHO (€500,000), Irish Aid (€441,000); JOA (about €34,000) and Credit Union (€10,000). Concern Worldwide headquarter has also launched a flood appeal to raise money to support the flood victims.

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

13th September 2007 (numbers updated from 11th August)


Severe flooding again since Thursday 6th September....

• The floods have further deteriorated affecting 11.3 million people I,256 upazilas of 43 districts.
• The water levels in all major rivers continue to flow above the danger mark.
• Transplanted paddy crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been inundated by the flood water. Erosion has also taken a serious turn in many places.
• Hundreds of thousands of people have taken shelter on higher ground e.g embankments and roadsides as well as government buildings.
• The health services directorate general said death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 861 since flooding began in July.
• Patients with diarrhoea are again increasing and in Lalmonirhat district alone, 250 patients have been admitted in the last three days
• Over 65,000 homes completely and over 927 thousand homes partially destroyed
• 557 educational institutions completely destroyed and 7,686 partially damaged.
• 88 km of embankments completely, 863 km partially destroyed
• 78 bridges and culverts completely and 1692 partially destroyed

Forecast
• Experts said flooding this time might take a serious turn, affecting major structures such as the Teesta Barrage in the north and the Kaptai Dam in Chittagong.
• The flooding in the south and the central areas is set to worsen, said the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Sunday.
• Experts fear that flooding this time might drag on for a longer period of time and the eastern fringe of the capital might be inundated within four or five days.
• Due to the tsunami in Sumatra, the water level in Bay of Bengal had slightly risen and this might slow down the recession of the flood waters.

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 11th September)
Since Thursday 6th September floods have started afresh and it is feared that these will be worse than the August floods. the flood waters are much stronger, sweeping away and damaging everything in its path. The floods have further deteriorated affecting 11.3 million people I,256 upazilas of 43 districts. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken shelter on higher ground e.g embankments and roadsides as well as government buildings.

The health services directorate general said death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 861 since flooding began in July. Patients with diarrhoea are again increasing and in Lalmonirhat district alone, 250 patients have been admitted in the last three days

After the August flood waters had recede many farmers had started to replant their fields however, with the September floods all of this has been for nothing. The transplanted paddy crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been inundated by the flood water. Erosion has also taken a serious turn in many places.

The destruction to infrastructure is severe. Over 65,000 homes completely and over 927 thousand homes partially destroyed; 557 educational institutions completely destroyed and 7,686 partially damaged; 88 km of embankments completely, 863 km partially destroyed and 78 bridges and culverts completely and 1692 partially destroyed.

Other damage to the country as reported previously for the July/August floods are- 39 of the country's 64 districts in the north, centre and east were affected and over 89,000 homes completely and more than 650,000 homes partially destroyed. More than 16 million people have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health. Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with estimated value of over 150 million BDT. 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5,608 partially damaged and 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged.

In addition to the floods, there was a tsunami warning on the 12th as a result of the tsunami in Sumatra. Massive evacuations were carried out in the coastal areas and islands in Bangladesh, and though an increase in the water level in the Bay of Bengal was recorded, no damage was reported.

Emergency Interventions

Concern Worldwide Response
Concern Worldwide with its partner organisations again started search and rescue operations from 8th September while the waters were rising fast and washing away everything in their path. 451 families from the chars and eroding riverbanks have been rescued and taken to flood shelters. The flood affected families were rescued with as much of their belongings as possible.

Concern Worldwide continues its previously planned relief operations from 4th September to distribute relief to 31,000 families in 10 of the most severely affected districts hit by floods which have devastated parts of Bangladesh last month. The districts are Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Gaibandha, Bogra, Manigonj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Jamalpur, Sherpur and Rajbari. The distribution in Jamalpur and Sherpur have been slightly revised due to the fresh flooding. Extremely poor families – many of whom have lost what little assets they own, have been given special focus as recipients for relief packages. The relief packages consist of both food and non-food items. The relief package for each family include: 30 kg rice, 3 kg lentils (pulse), 2 litres vegetable oil, 1 kg salt, 10 packets of soya protein biscuits, 5 ORS packets and 3 pieces of soap. This operation is being funded by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO).

Previously Concern completed a relief response to an initial 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur between 31st July and 9th August funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA). 41.76 tons of High Energy Biscuits supplied by World Food Programme (WFP) and targeted specifically at children were distributed to 13,917 families in Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura during 12-15 August.

Another phase of relief distribution (funded by Concern Worldwide) targeting 24,500 families in the 8 districts of Tangail, Nilphamari, Sirajgonj, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Rajbari, districts was carried out between 9th and 23rd August.

For emergency response, Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan. The funding received so far are from: ECHO (€500,000), Irish Aid (€441,000); JOA (about €34,000) and Credit Union (€10,000). Concern Worldwide headquarter has also launched a flood appeal to raise money to support the flood victims.

Photo

Jeba Khatun shifting the movable parts of her house to higher ground away from the rising flood waters, Boubardhan Char, Mohishkocha Union, Aditmari Upazila, Lalmonirhat District (Photo: Shehab, DRIK /Concern Sept 07.)
















Deojami village washed away by river erosion caused by the floods, Guddibari Union, Hatibandha Upazila, Lalmonirhat District (Photo: Shehab, DRIK /Concern Sept 07.)

















Afroza cooking in the doorway of her damaged house, Hatibandha Upazila, Lalmonirhat District(Photo: Shehab, DRIK /Concern Sept 07.)

















Concern’s partner NGO rescue boat taking a flood affected family and their livestock to shelter. (Photo: Shehab, DRIK /Concern Sept 07.)

















Raging flood waters rush through damaged embankment Hatibandha Upazila, Lalmonirhat District (Photo: Shehab, DRIK /Concern Sept 07.)

















Relief distribution in Shariatpur district presided by (left to right) Helen I’Anson, Concern ACD, C.H. Karim, Agriculture Advisor and Bijoy Krishna Nath (in white shirt), Regional Manager, Concern. (Photo: Mitul/Concern Sept 07.)

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

10th September 2007 (numbers updated from 19th August)


Severe Flooding Again…
• Thousands have been marooned since Thursday 6th September in fresh floods. For the second time 23 districts have been inundated.
• The security fuse of the Teesta Barrage was damaged on Friday by the sudden onrush of water, causing fresh flooding in the north, Water Development Board officials said.The prevailing flood situation in the north-eastern districts has, meanwhile, deteriorated. Flooding in the south and the central areas is set to worsen, said the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Sunday.
• The water levels in all major rivers have registered a sudden rise and continue to flow above the danger mark.
• Over 30 thousand families of the districts are seriously affected.
• Transplanted aman crop, seed beds and vegetables on vast expanse of land have been inundated by the flood water. Erosion has also taken a serious turn in many places.
• Affected people are going back from their homes to the flood shelters, government buildings and on high roads to take refuge from the new floods.
• The health services directorate general said death toll from diarrhoea, drowning, snakebite and respiratory diseases had reached 833 since flooding began in July

Forecast
• Experts said flooding this time might take a serious turn, affecting major structures such as the Teesta Barrage in the north and the Kaptai Dam in Chittagong.
• The prevailing flood situation in the north and north-eastern districts has deteriorated and flooding in the south and the central areas is set to worsen, said the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Sunday.
• Bangladesh meteorological Department (BMD) yesterday forecast moderate rainfall at many places over the country during next 24hrs.
• The floods are expected to get worse in the next two days before receding.
• Experts fear that flooding this time might drag on for a longer period of time and the eastern fringe of the capital might be inundated within four or five days.

Overall damage to the country as assessed by government due to August floods is as follows-
• More than 16 million people in 251 sub-districts under 39 districts have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health.
• Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with the approximate worth over 230 billion BDT.
• Fisheries worth 1.98 billion BDT and livestock worth 160 million BDT were destroyed.
• 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5608 partially damaged.
• 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged
• Over 89,000 homes completely and over 650,000 homes partially destroyed

Emergency Interventions

Concern Worldwide Response
Concern Worldwide with its partner organisations again started search and rescue operations from 8th September while the waters were rising fast and washing away everything in their path. 451 families from the chars and eroding riverbanks have been rescued and taken to flood shelters. The flood affected families were rescued with as much of their belongings as possible.

Concern Worldwide continues its previously planned relief operations from 4th September to distribute relief to 31,000 families in 10 of the most severely affected districts hit by floods which have devastated parts of Bangladesh last month. The districts are Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Gaibandha, Bogra, Mainkgonj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Jamalpur, Sherpur and Rajbari. The distribution in Jamalpur and Sherpur have been slightly revised due to the fresh flooding. Extremely poor families – many of whom have lost what little assets they own, have been given special focus as recipients for relief packages. The relief packages consist of both food and non-food items. The relief package for each family include: 30 kg rice, 3 kg lentils (pulse), 2 litres vegetable oil, 1 kg salt, 10 packets of soya protein biscuits, 5 ORS packets and 3 pieces of soap. This operation is being funded by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO).

Previously Concern completed a relief response to an initial 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur between 31st July and 9th August funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA). High Energy Biscuits supplied by World Food Programme (WFP) and targeted specifically at children were distributed to 13,916 families in Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura.

Another phase of relief distribution (funded by Concern Worldwide) targeting 24,500 families in the 8 districts of Tangail, Nilphamari, Sirajgonj, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Rajbari, districts was carried out between 9th and 23rd August.

For emergency response, Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan. The funding received so far are from: ECHO (€500,000), Irish Aid (€441,000); JOA (about €34,000) and Credit Union (€10,000). Concern Worldwide headquarter has also launched a flood appeal to raise money to support the flood victims.

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

6th September 2007 (numbers updated from 19th August)

Overall damage to the country as assessed by government is as follows-

• More than 16 million people in 251 sub-districts under 39 districts have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health.
• Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with the approximate worth over 230 billion BDT.
• Fisheries worth 1.98 billion BDT and livestock worth 160 million BDT were destroyed.
• 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5608 partially damaged.
• 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged
• Over 89,000 homes completely and over 650,000 homes partially destroyedFloods waters have receded and people have returned to their flood ravaged homes. Many families have lost all assets face an acute shortage of food.


Emergency Interventions


Government support

• The government has announced that they will provide every month 10kg of rice to a total of 2,981,500 extremely poor families in all the districts affected. This rice distribution was to start on 22nd August.

• In addition to the supply of rice, the government has said they will also give Taka 10, 000 (140 US $) to each of these families

• The government has made a rehabilitation budget of 20 million taka for the flood affected people

• The government Agricultural Bank will distribute 70 billion BDT to the affected farmers.

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern Worldwide continues its relief response on 4th September to distribute relief to 31,000 families in 10 of the most severely affected districts hit by floods which have devastated parts of Bangladesh last month. The districts are Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Gaibandha, Bogra, Mainkgonj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Jamalpur, Sherpur and Rajbari. Extremely poor families – many of whom have lost what little assets they own, have been given special focus as recipients for relief packages. The relief packages consist of both food and non-food items. The relief package for each family include: 30 kg rice, 3 kgs lentils (pulse), 2 litres vegetable oil, 1 kg salt, 10 packets of soya protein biscuits, 5 ORS packets and 3 pieces of soap. This operation is being funded by ECHO.

Previously Concern completed a relief response (funded by JOA) to an initial 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur between 31st July and 9th August. High Energy Biscuits supplied by WFP and targeted specifically at children were distributed to 13,916 families in Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura. Another phase of relief (funded by Concern Worldwide) targeting 24,500 families in the 8 districts of Tangail, Nilphamari, Sirajgonj, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Rajbari, Magura districts) was carried out between 9th and 23rd August.

Concern has requested Irish Aid to fund the relief distribution for a further 15-day relief package for the above mentioned 24,500 most adversely affected families in eight districts. Other proposals submitted to fund the flood response are to Isle of Man (IOM) and to Guernsey. Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan.

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

26th August 2007 (numbers updated from 19th August)

Summary

· Total fatalities to date are 719 as of 21st August 2007.
· International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) hospital reports that the high rate of admission of diarrhoea patients continues.
· The Director General of Health Services has reported that between 30th July and 25th August that over 83,000 people have contracted diarrhoea
· Rate of eye infections have also increased sharply
· Though many flood-affected families were returning to their flood-ravaged homes last week, many are under the threat of another following flood. (See forecast)

Other damage to the country as reported previously are-

· More than 16 million people in 251 sub-districts under 39 districts have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health.
· Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with the approximate worth over 150 million BDT.
· 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5608 partially damaged.
· 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged
· Over 89,000 homes completely and over 650,000 homes partially destroyed
· Floods waters continue to inundate much of the low-lying eastern part of Dhaka City and many people have taken shelter in government offices and schools. There is a shortage of food, and drinking water. Many people affected by flooding in the city have fallen sick with water-borne diseases.

Forecasting

· Flood situation is improving gradually and no further flooding is expected in the northern and central districts.
· The flood situation around eastern part of Dhaka City is improving and it is expected that waters will recede totally within next 2-3 days.

Emergency Interventions

Government Support
· The government has announced that they will provide every month 10kg of rice to a total of 2,981,500 extremely poor families in all the districts affected. This rice distribution was to start on 22nd August.
· In addition to the supply of rice, the government has said they will also give Taka 10, 000 (140 US $) to each of these families
· The government has made a rehabilitation budget of 20 million taka for the flood affected people

Responses by other Organisations

Many international and national NGOs continue to be involved in distributing relief as previously reported. Despite the efforts by so many organisations and the government, it is still proving difficult to ensure that all affected families especially the poor are adequately reached and supported.

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 16th August)

Since last week the flood situation is improving gradually and no further flooding is expected in the northern and central districts. The flood situation around eastern part of Dhaka City is improving and it is expected that waters will recede totally within next 2-3 days.
Since July 30th total fatalities to date are over 700 as of 21st August 2007. In addition to diarrhoea, eye infections are also high.

Other damage to the country as reported previously are-
39 of the country's 64 districts in the north, centre and east are affected and over 89,000 homes completely and more than 650,000 homes partially destroyed. More than 16 million people have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health. Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with estimated value of over 150 million BDT. 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5,608 partially damaged and 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged.

Government Response

The government has announced that they will provide every month 10kg of rice to a total of 2,981,500 extremely poor families in all the districts affected by the flood. This rice distribution was to start on 22nd August. In addition to the supply of rice, the government has said they will also give Taka 10, 000 (140 US $) to each of these families. The government has made a rehabilitation budget of 20 million taka for the flood affected people

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern has completed its relief response for 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur districts (31st July-9th August). High Energy Biscuits supplied by WFP were distributed to 13,916 families in four districts (Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura), each family received 3kg biscuits as a supplementary food for four days. Concern has also completed relief for a further 24,500 families (10-23 August) in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Sirajgonj, Faridpur, Manikganj, Jamalpur, Tangail and Shariatpur
Relief package per family included food ration for 15 days consisting of 30 kg rice, 3kg pulse, 2 litres of oil, 1 kg salt, 5 packets ORS and 10 packets, soya protein biscuits.

Concern and its partner agencies have plans to support a further 31,000 families with food and non-food relief for 15 days. This will be supported by the funding from ECHO. Furthermore 400,000 Euro has already been confirmed from Concern Headquarter in Dublin

Concern has requested Irish Aid to fund the relief distribution for a further 15-day relief package for the above mentioned 24,500 most adversely affected families in eight districts. Other proposals submitted to fund the flood response are to Isle of Man (IOM) and to Guernsey. Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan.

Photos

Morsheda from Gaburjan village, Uilipur upazila, Kurigram Dsitrict waiting with her daughter for the long line of people in the relief to go. She walked from her village which is about 2 km from the relief distribution centre, “ I am waiting here since 8 in the morning and it seems it will afternoon before my turn comes. I have three children and my youngest has come with me as she doesn’t like being on her own. My home was submerged in chest-high water for almost eight days and now after the waters have receded it is muddy all around. I need this relief package desperately.”Photo: Mahmud, Map/Concern Aug 07.

Binodini Das (Dagarpar, Anantpur, Kurigram) – “evry year floods and erosion has made my village very poor. I have 5 children and during these floods my husband has no work. I have heard that they will give us a good amount of food – this will save us from starvation”.Photo: Mahmud, Map/Concern Aug 07

Ziaur Rahman from Anantapur, Hatia, Kurigram –“I am disabled and have taken shelter on an embankment with my family. I am very grateful for the relief package. This year the quantity and items are more and of good quality. This will be good for us.”Photo: Mahmud, Map/Concern Aug 07

Ratna’s is waiting for relief in the rain with her little daughter, Josna. Ratna carried Josna to the relief distribution – “I have to bring my youngest with me, my husband is too weak to come. Our home is under water and we are taking shelter on the embankment. This year the beneficiary selection was good using the NGOs, previously relief distribution was influenced by the elite and there favoritism was much nepotism”. Photo: Mahmud, Map/Concern Aug 07

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

19th August 2007 (numbers updated from 16th August)

Summary

* Total fatalities to date are 700 as of 18th August 2007. Thirty of these deaths are from snakebites.

* International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) hospital reports that the rate of admission of diarrhoea patients continues unabated and is between 900 and 1000 every 24 hours.

* Rate of eye infections have also increased sharply* Though many flood-affected families were returning to their flood-ravaged homes last week, many are under the threat of another following flood. (See forecast)

Other damage to the country as reported previously are-

* More than 16 million people in 251 sub-districts under 39 districts have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health.

* Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, the approximate worth over 150 million BDT.

* 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5608 partially damaged.

* 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged

* Over 89,000 homes completely and over 650,000 homes partially destroyed

* Floods waters continue to inundate much of the low-lying eastern part of Dhaka City and many people have taken shelter in government offices and schools. There is a shortage of food, and drinking water. Many people affected by flooding in-city have fallen sick with water-borne diseases.

Forecasting

* Flood situation is likely to deteriorate in the central districts of the country. Last week the flood waters had receded significantly in most parts of the country, however with the depression at Bay of Bengal bringing incessant rains has caused the rivers around the central districts to rise.

* The districts being affected yet again by floods are Manikganj, Munshiganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Madaripur, Sharaitpur, Gopalganj, Chandpur, Dhaka (Dohar and Nawabganj upazilas).

* The flood situation around Dhaka City remains unchanged and is expected to worsen over the next few days.

Emergency Interventions

Government Support

* As people are gradually returning home there are currently 613 shelters providing refuge to approximately 0. 16 million people.

* In addition to the relief distributed so far, the government has announced that they will provide every month 10kg of rice to a total of 2,981,500 extremely poor families in all the districts affected by the flood affected families with a month’s supply of rice. This rice distribution is to start on 22nd August.

* A total of 3,207 medical teams and 28 mobile hospitals are treating patients in different pars of the country.


Responses by Other Organisations

Many international and national NGOs are now actively involved in distributing relief some of which are

* World Food Programme distributing HEB (high Energy Biscuits among 164,410 families (73.62 MT biscuits, for each family receiving 3kg)

* WFP planning to distribute rice (2466.15 MT) and biscuits (49.32 MT) among 164,410 families.

* UNICEF distributed 63.74 MT BP5 biscuits among 42,495 families in first phase and 73.62MT among 24,538 families in second phase.

* UNICEF also distributed plastic sheets among 23,000 families.

* UNDP is distributing dry food (Flatten rice, molasses) and non-food (Soap, sarees and lungis (cloths), mosquito nets etc) items among 70,700 families in 17 districts.

Despite the efforts by so many organisations and the government, it is still proving difficult to ensure that all affected families especially the poor are adequately reached and supported.

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 16th August)

Since last week flood waters in many areas in the north and especially the central districts that were receding have started to rise again and the flood situation is likely to deteriorate in the central districts of the country. The depression bringing incessant rains has caused the rivers around the central districts to rise.The districts being affected yet again by floods are Manikganj, Munshiganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Madaripur, Sharaitpur, Gopalganj, Chandpur, Dhaka (Dohar and Nawabganj upazilas). The flood situation around Dhaka City remains unchanged and is expected to worsen over the next few days. In addition to diarrhoea, eye infections are also on the rise.Since July 30the total fatalities to date are 700 as of 18th August 2007. In addition to diarrhoea, eye infections are also on the rise.Other damage to the country as reported previously are- 39 of the country's 64 districts in the north, centre and east are affected and over 89,000 homes completely and more than 650,000 homes partially destroyed. More than 16 million people have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health. Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with estimated value of over 150 million BDT. 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5,608 partially damaged and 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged.

Government Response

A total of 3,207 medical teams and 28 mobile hospitals are working are treating patients in different pars of the country. As people are gradually returning home there are currently 613 shelters providing refuge to approximately 0.16 million people. In addition to the relief distributed so far, the government has announced that they will provide every month 10kg of rice to a total of 2,981,500 extremely poor families in all the districts affected by the flood affected families with a month’s supply of rice. This rice distribution is to start on 22nd August.Concern Worldwide Response:

Concern has completed its relief response for 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur districts (31st july-9th August). High Energy Biscuits supplied by WFP were distributed to 13,916 families in four districts (Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura), each family received 3kg biscuits as a supplementary food for four days.

Concern and its partner agencies are monitoring the on-going effect of the floods and have planned a phase two response to support 69,500 families with food and non-food relief for 4 weeks. This is subject to funding that will be obtained. 400,000 Euro has already been confirmed from Concern Headquarter in Dublin. Relief distribution has started for 24,500 families in 8 districts within August. Relief package per family includes food ration for 15 days consisting of 30 kg rice, 3kg pulse, 2 litres of oil, 1 kg salt, 5 packets ORS and 10 packets, soya protein biscuits. Concern has requested Irish Aid to fund the relief distribution for theses 24,500 most adversely affected families.

Concern has also requested ECHO to provide fund to support another 31,000 families. Other proposals submitted to fund the flood response are to Isle of Man (IOM) and to Guernsey. Concern continues to contact different donors to ensure adequate resources to implement its overall emergency response plan.

Action Contre Le Faim (ACF) have met with Concern Bangladesh and have expressed interest to work with us through our partner NGOs to provide resources to reach safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to the flood affected families.

Bangladesh Flood Response Update

16th August 2007 (numbers updated from 12th August)



Summary


• Total fatalities to date is 481 as of 15th August 2007. Thirty of these deaths are from snakebites.
• More than 16 million people in 251 sub-districts under 39 districts have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health.
• With the receding flood waters, water borne diseases are infecting thousands of people, worst figures in a decade since the 1998 floods. Government has reported over 58,440 people admitted to hospital with diarrhoea.
• Flood-affected families are gradually returning to their flood-ravaged homes and land.
• Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, the approximate worth over 150 million BDT.
• 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5608 partially damaged.
• 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463 roads partially damaged
• Over 89,000 homes completely and over 650,000 homes partially destroyed
• Floods waters continue to inundate much of the low-lying eastern part of Dhaka City and many people have taken shelter in government offices and schools. There is a shortage of food, and drinking water. Many people affected by flooding in-city have fallen sick with water-borne diseases.
• International Centre for Diarrhoeaal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB) hospital reports that the rate of admission of diarrhoea patients at the hospital is between 900 and 1000 every 24 hours

Forecasting

• The water levels of the major rivers are receding significantly. Some points on the major rivers are still above the danger level. For the last 4-5 days there has been a depression over the Bay of Bengal bringing rains which
will slow down the recession of flood waters.
• The inundation in eastern part of Dhaka City continues which has caused problems to the water and sewerage systems further aggravating the rate of water borne disease outbreaks in some areas.

Emergency Interventions

Government support

• As people are gradually returning home there are currently 1,004 shelters providing refuge to approximately 0.23 million people.
• The Relief Directorate has so far allocated 13,765 metric tons of rice to the 39 affected districts. The government has allocated a total of Tk. 12,866,500
for house building purposes. The government has also allocated another Tk. 4,150,000 for miscellaneous needs including rescue efforts and boat fare, etc.
• The government allocation so far is around Tk. 151,651,000 for relief to over 10.3 million flood affected people, making the per head allocation at Tk. 14.83.
• A total of 3,207 medical teams and 28 mobile hospitals are treating patients in different pars of the country.

Responses by other organisations

Many international and national NGOs are now actively involved in distributing relief. INGOS involved actively in the flood response include OXFAM, CARE, Concern Universal, IFRC, Action Aid and others.

Many corporate organisations are also distributing relief in the affected districts.

Despite the efforts by so many organisations and the government, it is still proving difficult to ensure that all affected families especially the poor are adequately reached and supported.

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 9th August)

Since Thursday, 12th August, flood waters have significantly receded and almost all the rivers that were flowing above danger level are now on the way to receding below danger point, however for water to recede totally, will take at
least one-two weeks. As the waters are receding, flood-affected families are gradually returning to their flood-ravaged homes and land. With the receding flood waters, water borne diseases are infecting thousands of people, worst
figures in a decade since the 1998 floods. Government has reported over 58,440 people admitted to hospital with diarrhea.

Floods waters continue to inundate much of the low-lying eastern part of Dhaka City and many people have taken shelter in government offices and schools. There is a shortage of food, and drinking water. Many people affected by flooding in-city have fallen sick with water-borne diseases.

International Centre for Diarrhoeaal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB) hospital reports that the rate of admission of diarrhoea patients is between 900 and 1000 every 24 hours and almost all are admitted in critical conditions.

Since 30th July, 481 deaths have been recorded of which 30 died of snake bites.

39 of the country's 64 districts in the north, centre and east are affected and over 89,000 homes completely and more than 650,000 homes partially destroyed. More than 16 million people have been badly affected by the floods which has
damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health. Approximately 1.5 million acres of agricultural crops (seedbeds, transplanted seedlings, vegetables and standing jutes) are partially or fully damaged, with
estimated value of over 150 million BDT. 532 educational institutions completely destroyed and 5,608 partially damaged and 2,817 km roads completely and 17,463
roads partially damaged.

Government Response

A total of 3,207 medical teams and 28 mobile hospitals are working are treating patients in different pars of the country. With the receding floods, people are gradually returning home there are currently 1,004 shelters providing refuge to
approximately 0.23 million people.

The government allocation so far is around Tk. 151,651,000 for relief to over 10.3 million flood affected people, making the per head allocation at Tk. 14.83, which is less than the price of one kilogramme of rice.. The government allocations include Tk. 12,866,500 for house building purposes, Tk. 4,150,000 for miscellaneous needs including rescue efforts and boat fare, etc and 13,765
metric tons of rice.

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern has completed its relief response for 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Manikganj and Faridpur districts (31st july-9th August).

High Energy Biscuits supplied by WFP were distributed to 13,916 families in four districts (Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura), each family received 3kg biscuits as a supplementary food for four days.

Concern and its partner agencies are monitoring the on-going effect of the floods and are investigating a phase two response with food suppplies for 3-4 weeks. This is designed to help families re-establish themselves and get back to work as their homes and land emerge from floodwaters. 400,000 Euro has already been confirmed from Concern Dublin for this work and additional funding is being sought from ECHO and Irish Aid amongst others. The relief package per family includes a food ration for 15 days consisting of 30 kg rice, 3kg pulse, 2 litres of oil, 1 kg salt, 5 packets ORS and 10 packets, soya protein biscuits.

Action Contre Le Faim (ACF) have met with Concern Bangladesh and have expressed interest to work with us through our partner NGOs to provide resources to reach safe drinking water to the flood affected families.

MSF have also been discussing how we my collaborate in tackling the current diarrhoea crisis. Whiel MSF will set up field centres to tackle large numbers of acute cases, Concern is likely to work with strategic partners to develop prevention strategies and ensure that affeceted families are seeking treatment at the approprate centres.