UNB :
Brac, one of the largest development organizations in the world, has provided assistance to 500 poor families affected by flash floods in Cox’s Bazar district.
Some 235 families at Jaliapalong, Palongkhali, Rajapalong, Ratnapalong, Haldiapalong unions of Ukhiya upazila and 265 families at Whykong, Nhila, Baharchara, Teknaf Sadar and Sabrang unions of Teknaf upazila got the assistance.
With the support of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP), Brac distributed the materials among the affected people recently.
The assistance materials included 500 mugs, utensils, spoons, solar lamps, jute bags and 500 pairs of shoes, 3003 pieces of soap, 1000 glasses and plates.
Shuvo Kumar Saha, Disaster Risk Reduction Sector Specialist, and field-level employees of Brac handed over the materials to the affected people at their respective locations.
Local eminent people were also present on the occasion.
Rozina Ahkter, 38, one of the recipients and resident of Shah Pori Island of Sabrang union of Teknaf upazila, in her reaction said her family was badly affected by the floods this time.
Earning income for her family became tough as their house was inundated by the flood water. Assistance provided by Brac at such a difficult time benefitted us very much. “We’re delighted at the support,” she said.
In a statement, Hasina Akhter Huq, Area Director of HCMP of Brac, said Brac since its inception has been working for improving the condition of disadvantaged people.
Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall caused extensive damage to many people in the district. Field-level employees of Brac stood beside them along with the government and provided the assistance at such a time of natural calamity, she said.
“We hope we’ll be able to cope with natural disasters successfully with the combined efforts of both the government and NGOs,” she added.
According to Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) as of 01 August, 2021 said, 06 refugees died, 46,545 refugees were affected, 21,000 refugees displaced, and 6,418 shelters were damaged by flash flood.