Photo: IDEA (Emergency Partner of CARE BD)
BANGLADESH, 26 May 2022 – Water levels in northeast Bangladesh have risen over the past few weeks due to constant rainfall in the northeast Indian states, causing flash floods in the region. Several places in the five districts of the region are overwhelmed. According to the latest update by Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), water is flowing above danger levels (up to one metre) in several gauge stations along the two major rivers in the region. More districts will likely be affected as the waters recede from the current location to the other low-lying areas.
Ram Das, Deputy Country Director, Programs for CARE Bangladesh, expressed his concern saying, “Unprecedented weather events such as this flash flood are becoming more frequent in recent years. It indicates the changing pattern in the climate, which is a global concern, more so for countries like Bangladesh, which has been repeatedly affected by extreme weather events for a long time, making it seventh in the world’s most climate change affected countries.”
The Needs Assessment Working Group (NAWG), of which CARE is a co-chair, reported that an estimated two million people are affected by the current flash flood. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health, education, gender-based violence (GBV) protection, shelter, food and livelihood (agriculture, livestock, market, fisheries) are highly affected due to the floods. The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) have opened more than 400 shelter centers, and an estimated 5,000+ people are living in these shelters. GoB has also initiated a response by providing dry food, allocations of rice, and cash grants to the respective districts; however, it is inadequate.
The Dwarabazar sub-district in Sunamganj from USAID’s SHOUHARDO III project, which is under CARE’s portfolio, has been impacted. A needs and damages assessment of this region has already been initiated. CARE’s three emergency partners are present in the affected districts, ready to dispatch if the situation escalates.
“As a part of CARE’s mandate to respond to climate change-induced crises, for this flash flood, CARE aims to reach 5,000 people in Sylhet city corporation and other affected areas primarily through our local partners,” adds Ram Das. “The initial response will cover WASH, emergency shelter, health, and protection services for gender-based violence.”
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Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package®, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization working around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. CARE puts women and girls at the centre of our work because we know we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. CARE develops solutions alongside women and girls to lift themselves, their families, and communities out of poverty and out of crisis. CARE works in over 100 countries around the world.
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