The heavy downpour of the last few weeks has triggered floods and water-logging in Satkhira, Khulna and Jessore districts displacing over 1.25 million people with colossal damage to crops, infrastructures and livelihoods. The figures projected by the Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are varying from that of the national newspapers. In present circumstances, it is difficult to ascertain accurately – which is why International NGOs are sharing in respect of information and assessment.

Meteorological experts are forecasting a further deterioration of the flood situation in the next couple of days since most of the rivers in these areas are flowing over the danger lines, as the downpour continues.

I travelled around the affected area on boat and spoke to many of the farmers who are devastated having seen their crops washed away by with floodwater

Amirul Kaisar Dipu, Emergency Response Coordinator of ActionAid Bangladesh

According to ActionAid’s rapid field assessment report, some 48,775 families have already been affected by the flood in Tala upazila (sub-district) alone of Satkhira district. According to Daily Star, at least 3.5 lakh people of 1.2 lakh families have been made homeless in the district as flood has destroyed their thatched and mud houses.

Over 200 educational institutions have been damaged by the flood water largely hampering education system in those areas.

“Rain, which farmers usually perceive as a blessing since it brings good harvest this season, has now become a sheer pain and a concern to them,” Amirul continued.

According to the official of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and Livestock Department, Aman plants, seedbeds and vegetables on over one lakh acres of land have been destroyed while several thousand shrimp enclosures were washed away.

In a quick response to the current crisis from the government, Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzak has visited flood-affected areas on a two-day official visit. The Minister has already assured us of adequate relief materials to be distributed in the affected areas and also post-flood agricultural rehabilitation programme so that farmers can offset their loss.

ActionAid has expressed deep concern regarding the heightened likelihood of an outbreak of water-borne diseases like diarrhea. Extreme scarcity of clean drinking water has compounded the overall situation.

ActionAid has already deployed its emergency response team. The team members are requesting the immediate supply of adequate food, medicine and makeshift shelters based on their quick assessment. Considering the urgency, ActionAid has already granted £40,000  in aid of the distressed people.

In view of the prevailing situation, ActionAid urges all conscientious citizens of the country to come forward and stand beside the people who need our help most.