As eastern Bangladesh grapples with some of the worst flooding in decades, the UK government has stepped up its support with an additional £450,000 in humanitarian assistance. This funding aims to provide essential relief to more than 36,000 people, adding to the £1.5 million already committed to disaster response and preparedness in the region this year.
UK Government Ramps Up Flood Relief in Bangladesh
In response to the devastating floods that have engulfed eastern Bangladesh, the UK government has announced a further £450,000 in humanitarian aid. This significant contribution will support over 36,000 individuals in the worst-affected districts, including Feni, Cumilla, and Chattogram.
The funds will be channelled through local NGOs and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to provide much-needed food, clean water, sanitation supplies, and emergency healthcare.
On Going Financial Support
This additional funding builds on the £33,000 in initial emergency relief that was swiftly deployed earlier this month. The overall UK support to Bangladesh’s disaster response in 2024 now exceeds £1.5 million, reflecting a continued commitment to helping communities recover from the severe impacts of climate change.
The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, emphasized the UK’s solidarity with those affected:
“The UK government stands beside all of those affected by the current flooding in eastern Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce the UK government is providing further humanitarian assistance to support those impacted.”
Focus on Essential Relief and Healthcare
The new funding will address both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts. Over 36,000 people will receive food, cash transfers, clean water, and hygiene supplies through the Start Fund Bangladesh, which works with a consortium of local NGOs.
Additionally, 30 mobile medical camps, managed by UNFPA, will deliver critical maternal and newborn health services to approximately 4,500 women and adolescent girls in the flood-stricken areas.
The flooding, exacerbated by unusually heavy rainfall between August 20 and 24, has impacted nearly five million people across the region. With at least 18 confirmed deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced, the situation remains dire.
Roads and agricultural lands have been submerged, disrupting livelihoods and essential services.
Here’s a snapshot of the flooding’s impact:
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Population | Approximately 4.94 million people |
| Fatalities | At least 18 reported |
| Displacement | 284,888 people in shelters |
| Infrastructure Damage | 462 kilometers of roads |
| Agricultural Impact | 311,419 hectares submerged |
| Power Outages | 928,000 people without power |
| School Closures | 7,000 schools closed |
These figures highlight the scale of the disaster and the urgent need for international support.
A Broader Commitment to Climate Resilience
This latest tranche of funding is part of the UK’s broader strategy to enhance Bangladesh’s resilience to climate-related disasters. In addition to immediate relief efforts, the UK is investing in long-term initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability to climate change.
Over the next four years, the UK government will contribute £33.6 million to projects that protect and restore critical ecosystems like the Sundarbans Reserve Forest, while also supporting one million vulnerable people across Bangladesh.
To Sum Up
Sarah Cooke underscored this collaborative approach, noting that the UK’s efforts
“complement the active and ongoing response of the interim government of Bangladesh, civil society and local communities.”
Sources: THX News & British High Commission Dhaka.
