Over 90% of people in Feni, Noakhali affected by floods: Oxfam

The recent floods in Bangladesh have had a devastating impact on Feni and Noakhali districts.

According to a recent assessment report by Oxfam, over 90% of the population in these areas has been severely affected, with 48% of homes completely destroyed.

The report states that sanitation systems and clean drinking water sources have been rendered completely inoperable in the flood-affected areas. The floods have also caused significant damage to infrastructure.

As the floodwaters recede, the extent of the destruction is becoming increasingly apparent. Loss of livelihoods and food insecurity have emerged as major concerns for the affected population.

Many residents are struggling to meet their basic needs. Over 72% of families in the affected districts are unable to afford two meals a day.

The destruction of sanitation facilities has led to open defecation, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. Many people have already fallen ill.

Hosne Ara, a flood victim from Chagalnaiya upazila in Feni, described the hardships she and her family faced during the floods.

"We had to take shelter on the roof, without access to clean water or food. The toilet was submerged, making it difficult to maintain privacy. Many people fell sick," she said.

Abdul Karim, another victim, has lost both his home and livelihood due to the devastating floods. While they survived the flood by taking shelter elsewhere, his small vegetable shop, the sole source of income for his family, has been completely destroyed.

Ashish Damle, country director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, expressed deep concern about the situation.

"Bangladesh has not witnessed such a situation in recent times. Millions of people have been affected by the floods. Homes and agricultural lands have been submerged. Lakhs of people have lost their livelihoods. The loss of livestock and the uncertain future of the affected population are extremely worrying," he said.

He added, "If organisations like ours do not stand by these flood-affected people, our existence becomes meaningless. We must do everything we can to help the flood victims with whatever resources we have."

Ashish called on the international community to stand by the flood-affected people.

Ensuring the supply of clean drinking water and restoring safe sanitation systems are crucial for the recovery of these affected communities, especially in the post-flood period, he said.

To support its relief efforts, Oxfam has launched an emergency fund. The organisation welcomes all forms of contributions to support the flood-affected people. Oxfam has also welcomed the engagement of young students and volunteers in its relief efforts.

The flood, which began on 20 August, has submerged vast swathes of 11 districts in Bangladesh. Over 500,000 people have been displaced, and over 58 lakh have been directly affected. Infrastructure, homes, agriculture, and fisheries have suffered extensive damage.

The affected population urgently requires immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance. Key needs include clean drinking water, cash assistance, food, healthcare items, and support for rebuilding homes, sanitation systems, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Since the onset of the floods, Oxfam has been conducting emergency relief operations. However, given the scale of the disaster, more assistance is urgently needed to meet both immediate and long-term needs.