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.

Faridpur, Bangladesh Floods August 2007

Farida (32) is from Modonkhali Village, Sadar upazila in Faridpur district. While waiting in line for her relief package she told us of how the floods affected her family. “The floods came in very quickly. When I had left home, my house was under three feet of water, my goat, hens and chickens died. I and my husband gathered our children (two daughters and two sons) and took refuge in a flood shelter on the road. All our assets are damaged and we have no means to buy food. This is the first relief we are receiving. I hope to return home after a month but I don’t know how I will cope and feed my children. I need support from NGOs to survive this disaster.”Photo: Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.

A woman wading though flood waters to go back to her home with her relief packet over her head. Photo:Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.

Flood affected villagers wait for relief in long queue at the relief centre in Faridpur. Photo: Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.

The old woman in the brown saree in is Firoza (50), wife of a day labourer: “I have lost all my assets to the floods. My kitchen garden is damaged and my home totally destroyed. To survive I and my husband will need to take loan or sell labour in advance to get money for food. I have no other way to obtain food for my family. This relief is a blessing.”

The younger woman in the purple saree is Moyna (45). She is from Dicrir Char, Sadar upazila in Faridpur district. She is a widow with two children. She works as day labourer in the brickfields. Now the brick fields are inundated and her house is damaged, she is struggling to find money for food. “Until the floods totally recede and the brick fields are working again, I have no source of income and even when the waters recede I don’t know how I will manage to support my family.”

Concern Worldwide Bangladesh Emergency Response Activity Matrix up to 15 August 2007

Bangladesh Flood Response Update - 12th August 2007

Summary

* Total fatalities to date 323 up to 11th August 2007.
* More than 9.5 million people have been badly affected by the floods which has damaged their homesteads, livelihoods and impacted on their health.
* Floods water are receding fast and flood-affected families are gradually returning to their flood-ravaged homes and land.
* 1,000 patients have been admitted to International Centre for Diarrhoeaal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB) hospital since Thursday (9th August) midnight till Friday (10th Aug) midnight—the highest number in the 40-year history of the specialized hospital, ICDDRB.
* 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

* The water levels of the major rivers are receding significantly though they are still flowing above danger level. It is expected that within the next three days the level of water will fall significantly.
* The inundation in eastern part of Dhaka City continues and the outbreak of water borne diseases is predicted to be comparatively worse than the rural areas

Emergency Interventions

Government Support:

* The government opened a total of 1,515 shelters in different locations which are now home to approximately 0.36 million people.
* Allocated rice 14200 MT rice and 28 millions BDT.
* Allocated for housing rehabilitation 22.5 millions BDT.
* Continuing dry/prepared food distribution with 10 million BDT and spent 7 million BDT on rescue operation.
* Around 62 government medical teams and a 6 member army medical team are serving for the flood affected people as water-born diseases are spreading fast.

Responses by other NGOs:

* Action Aid has distributed dry food to 6000 families in Jamalpur, Sirajganj and Faridpur districts and has further palns to reach 30,000 families * OXFAM planning to do food grain distribution for 40,000 families* CARE planning to distribute relief to 100,000 families * CLP is distributing dry food in their working areas* Concern Universal is planning to give relief to 11,000 families* World Vision is giving relief to 20,250 families* UNDP is planning to give relief to 91,500 families in two phases* WFP and UNICEF will jointly give relief to 42,495 families * RDRS is planning to give relief to 2,300 families* IFRC is planning to give relief to 116,000 families* Terres des Hommes is planning to reach 16,000 families in Kurigram* ECHO plans to allocate 2 million Euro for the flood response through its implementing partners in Bangladesh. They are inviting proposals from the different partners (INGOS). They have specified the need for the proposals to be very specific in targeting to avoid duplication in work.* WFP plans focus on giving high energy biscuits to families located in Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura

Narrative

Country Level Update (numbers updated from 9th August)Since Thursday, 9th August, flood waters have significantly receded and in 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.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. 1,000 patients have been admitted to International Centre for Diarrhoeaal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB) hospital since Thursday (9th August) midnight till Friday (10th Aug) midnight—the highest number in the 40-year history of the specialized hospital, ICDDRB. In all 38- flood hit districts there are severe outbreaks of water-borne disease. Many of the flood-affected are now suffering from water-borne diseases and there is shortage of food and drinking water. Just within 24 hours on 11th August, 4,110 people were diagnosed with diarrhoea. Since 30th July, 323 deaths have been recorded of which 292 drowned, 20 dies of snake bites and seven died of respiratory tract infections.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. 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 mobilised thousands of military, public and private volunteers to distribute relief supplies including dry food and water purification tablets, but a lack of boats has hampered their efforts.
The government has opened 1,515 shelter centres housing about 300,000 people and so far allocated over 70 million taka (6.5 million Euro) for rescue and relief operations. However reports from different districts show that thousands of flood victims are yet to receive any relief due to the inadequate supplies – there is also a severe crisis of drinking water. The government has welcomed initiatives by individuals, donors, international and national NGOs to respond to the crisis created by the floods.

Concern Worldwide Response

Concern has completed its relief response for 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Mainkganj and Faridpur districts. The Country Director visited Sirajganj (3-4 August) and Faridpur (7 Aug). Law advisor Barisster Mainul Hosein inaugurated Concern’s relief operation in Faridpur and commended Concern’s and it’s partners agencies quick response to help the affected people.
Food ration for 15 days will be distributed to 4,000 families within this week. Perfamily ration consists of Rice 30 kg, Pulse 3kg, Oil 2 litre, Salt 1 kg, ORS 5 packets, Soya protein biscuits 10 packets.
High Energy Biscuits supplied by WFP is being distributed to 13,916 families in four districts (Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura), each family will receive 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 for 3-4 weeks. 400,000 Euro has already been confirmed from Concern Dublin.
Concern aims to submit a proposal as part of the Phase two action to ECHO early next week for 31,500 families.
Action Contre Le Faim (ACF) have met with Concern Bangladesh and have expressed interest to work with us though our partner NGOs to provide resources to reach safe drinking water to the flood affected families. ACF is a member of the Alliance 2015 and they would definitely complement our 2nd phase response.

Relief Distribution on August 2007 in Faridpur, Bangladesh

Country Director Concern Worldwide Bangladesh, Kieron Crawley on his way to FDA (PNGO) office (the road was flooded water) by boat. August 7, 2007. Photo:Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.















Flood affected villagers wait for relief in long queue at the relief centre in Faridpur. Photo: Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.
















Ayesha and her daughters in a relief tent at the flood relief camps in C&B ghat in Faridpur town. Photo:Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.
















Women swimming from the homes to get relief. Here Helena (wifr of a fisherman) is receiving relief package from FDA. Photo: Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.
















Rahima standing chest deep in water taking a relief package from FDA. Photo: Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.















Houses damaged by the floods in Faridpur. Photo: Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.
















Amirjan (widow) wih her daughter Rojina and son Ameen stranded on the roof of their house in the floods. Photo:Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.















Amirjan’s house being dismantled and taken on boat after FDA rescues Amirjan and her children. Photo:Amin Drik/Concern Aug 07.

Inundation map of Bangladesh updated on August 9, 2007

Inundation map of Bangladesh

Relief distribution in Faridpur, Bangladesh

The Law and Information Advisor of the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh, Barrister Mainul Hosein, inaugurated on Tuesday the distribution of emergency relief food to 500 flood affected families in Faridpur District at Sadar Upazilla.

The effort which was part of a larger operation bringing relief to 2000 families in the district was organised by Concern Worldwide Bangladesh and FDA (Faridpur Development Agency) to assist families who have been forced to abandon their homes in the face of rising flood waters.

The Relief package which consisted of 5kgs of flattened rice, 1kg molasses, 5 packets of soya protein biscuits was distributed amongst the most severely affected families - many of which were rescued from Char land using search and rescue boats.

During the relief distribution along with Kieron Crawley, Country Director, Concern Worldwide Bangladesh Mr. Idris Khan, Regional Manager, Concern Worldwide Bangladesh, Mr. Azharul Islam (ED, Faridpur Development Agency), Mr. Kushum Dewan (SP Police), Mr. Iahiya Bhuya (DC) and Major Anis were present.

Floodwater in Sirajgonj town, Bangladesh

Transport around the town is alternately by rickshaw and boat...

Shopkeepers wait patiently for waters to recede...


















New and improvised methods of transporting goods have been devised...

Shopkeepers endeavour to continue trading - although much stock has been destroyed

The Market remains open for the few customers who venture there...

Though the water is waist high - life must go on - journeys to the local shop for small supplies continue....

Keeping essential clothing dry while getting about the town is a challenge...

Families have bricked up doorways to their homes in an attempt to hold back the floodwaters....

Despite the floodwates many business remain open in Sirajganj town...

The Jamuna river has innundated crops of banana and jute...

Many homesteads on Mecha Char are under water...

Moving around on Mecha char by banana raft...

Concern Worldwide the first INGO to respond to Flood victims in Faridpur, Bangladesh

Press Release

The Law and Information Advisor, Barrister Mainul Hosein, inaugurated on Tuesday the distribution of emergency relief food to 500 flood affected families in Faridpur at Sadar Upazilla.

The effort which was part of a larger operation bringing relief to 2000 families in the district, was organised by Concern Worldwide, an international NGO and FDA (Faridpur Development Agency) to assist families who have been forced to abandon their homes in the face of rising flood waters.

The Advisor for Law and Information, Barrister Mainul Hosein thanked Concern for their assistance and called upon all members of the community including those with means, political leaders and NGOs to extend their support to all flood affected people.

“We are Bangladeshi people and we are faced with floods almost every year” he explained “Be courageous – government and NGOs are with you, we will continue with our support until or unless the situation improves”

Mr. Kieron Crawley, Country Director for Concern, stated that as a humanitarian agency, Concern had a duty to work closely with government and local partners to bring much needed aid to those severely affected by the current disaster. He also welcomed the Chief Advisors initiative to invite NGOs and development partners to help in the nationwide flood relief exercise.

Left to Right , Kushum Dewan (SP Police), Mr. Iahiya Bhuya (DC), Advisor Mainul Hosein, Kieron Crawley Country Director Concern Worldwide, Idris Khan Regional Manager Concern Worldwide

Supporters of Concern in Ireland, UK and around the world have been following the story of the floods in Bangladesh through the organisations website where a funding appeal has been launched. “The people of Ireland, Britain and US are concerned about the plight of Bangladeshis in the face of these ravaging floods” Country Director Kieron Crawley stated, “Already many individuals and groups have come forward asking how they can help...”

The Relief package which consisted of 5kgs of flattened rice, 1kg molasses, 5 packets of soya protein biscuits was distributed amongst the most severely affected families - many of which were rescued from Char land using search and rescue boats. Some 200 families have taken refuge in flood shelters constructed as part of the organisations Disaster Preparedness Project.

Concern has already distributed relief to 9000 families in Sirajganj and Manikganj districts over the last few days in a package worth over 30 lakh taka.

Also present at the inauguration were Mr. Azharul Islam (ED Faridpur Development Agency), Kushum Dewan (SP Police), Mr. Yahiya Bhuiya (DC), Idris Ali Khan Regional Manager Concern Worldwide, Major Anis.