The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched the second phase of its flood response, focusing on communities severely impacted by the August floods in Bangladesh. Nearly 47,000 families-approximately 235,000 people-in Cumilla, Feni, Moulavibazar, Noakhali, and Laxmipur districts are now receiving cash assistance to aid in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Leveraging the existing government social protection systems, WFP is targeting around 106,000 women whose families were hardest hit by the floods. These women, enrolled in the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP) and the Vulnerable Group Development Programme (VGDP), are each receiving a one-time cash transfer of BDT 6,000 (US$50) through bKash, a mobile financial service app, says a press release.
This cash assistance is crucial for helping families meet their nutritional needs, which have been compromised by the flood's devastation. Additionally, WFP is closely monitoring market conditions and food security to ensure that those not covered by social protection schemes receive the help they need. If additional funding becomes available, WFP is prepared to assist 120,000 more households in the affected districts. Since late August, nearly 6 million people across southeastern and northeastern Bangladesh, especially in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions, have been affected by some of the worst flooding the country has experienced in decades.
WFP has been on the ground delivering essential food aid to affected communities, particularly those stranded in shelters or cut off by waterlogging. So far, more than 120,000 families, or roughly 600,000 people, in Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Laxmipur, and Cox's Bazar districts have received a one-time distribution of WFP's fortified biscuits to meet their immediate food needs.
As part of ongoing efforts to support long-term recovery, WFP will introduce cash-for-work schemes benefiting approximately 90,000 households. These households will help rehabilitate or restore essential community infrastructure and arable land damaged by the floods. One able-bodied family member from each household will be employed for 15 days, earning BDT 500 per day. Additionally, 15,000 vulnerable households without able-bodied members will participate in income-generating activities (IGAs) tailored to their specific needs.
"As the floodwaters begin to recede, families will return to their homes, but many have lost everything. While markets are slowly reopening, people still need support to access food," said Dom Scalpelli, Country Director of WFP Bangladesh. "WFP's response is focused on helping them transition back to normalcy while offering livelihood opportunities to build stronger and more resilient communities."
WFP requires a total of US$35 million to fund its planned response but still needs to raise US$31 million. The organisation thanks Canada, Sweden, and its private donors (through the ShareTheMeal app) for their vital contributions, which have been critical in supporting the ongoing response.
