More than 90 percent of people affected by floods in Feni and Noakhali: Oxfam

Floods in Feni and Noakhali in Bangladesh affected more than 90 percent of people and 48 percent of houses were completely destroyed.

Recently, this information has emerged in a report of the international organization Oxfam.

According to the Oxfam report, sanitation systems and fresh water sources have been completely disrupted in the flood-affected areas. In addition, infrastructure has also been severely damaged due to floods.

As the floodwaters receded, the extent of the devastation became increasingly apparent. Loss of livelihood and food security have become major concerns for the people.

Many residents are struggling to meet their minimum needs. More than 72 percent of the families in the affected districts are unable to even procure two meals a day.

Due to the destruction of hygienic sanitation systems, open defecation is forced. As a result, the risk of water-borne diseases like diarrhea and cholera is increasing. Many have already fallen ill.

Flood-affected Hosne Ara of Chagalnaya Upazila of Feni narrated the sufferings of him and his family during the floods. “We had to take shelter on the roof, where there was no provision of clean water or food,” he said. Privacy became difficult as the toilet was flooded. Many were sick.

Another victim, Abdul Karim, lost both his home and livelihood in the floods. They survived the flood by taking shelter elsewhere, but their only source of income was a small vegetable shop that was completely destroyed.

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, expressed deep concern and said that Bangladesh has not faced such a situation before. Millions of people have been affected by these floods. Houses and farmlands were submerged under water. Millions of people lost their livelihood. The loss of livestock and the uncertain future of the affected people are very worrying.

He further said, if organizations like ours do not stand by these flood-affected people, then our existence will become meaningless. We have to help the flood victims with whatever resources we have.

Ashish urged the international community to stand by the flood-affected people. In this regard, he said, it is very important to ensure the supply of clean water and restore safe sanitation system for the recovery of these affected communities in the post-flood period.

Oxfam has launched an emergency fund to speed up relief operations. The organization has called for all kinds of assistance to help the flood-affected people. In addition, Oxfam welcomes young students and volunteers in their relief activities.

This flood which started on August 20 has inundated large areas of 11 districts of Bangladesh. More than five lakh people have been displaced and more than 5.8 lakh have been directly affected. There was extensive damage to infrastructure, houses, agriculture and fisheries.

Affected populations require urgent and sustained humanitarian assistance. Major needs include provision of clean water, cash assistance, food, health care items and support for housing, sanitation, agriculture and livelihood reconstruction.

Oxfam has been conducting emergency relief operations since the start of the floods. However, given the scale of the disaster, more assistance is necessary to meet immediate and long-term needs.

Bangladesh /SBT