The Salvation Army in Bangladesh has joined
with the government and other NGOs in an all-out effort to help the millions
of people who are suffering the effects of unprecedented flooding in the
south-west of the country. The late monsoon rains have led to an onrush
of water from across the Indian border.
Contrary to most parts of Bangladesh,
people in the south-west are not accustomed to floods. They lack the coping
mechanisms which are so common in this country where it is not unusual
for half the landmass to go under water. In the south-western border areas,
however, there has not been a flood like this since 1945 and people have
been taken by surprise. There is a lack of small boats in the area which
makes it difficult to reach people who are left stranded on rooftops or
in trees and to distribute relief goods to remote areas.
Thousands of people have fled the waters and have arrived in the town of Jessore where the Army has a strong presence through its Community Health and Development Project. Employees from the project have been joined by Corps Officers and as per government request, medical assistance is given to people in five refugee camps in the town. Special attention is being paid to children and pregnant women who received additional nutrition over and above the rations provided by the government.
The Army's assessment team is today visiting an area which has been totally cut off by the water. Through cooperation with Missionary Aviation Fellowship - Sweden, it was possible yesterday to fly to the worst affected area by sea plane. The need for help here is great and the Salvation Army is now looking at ways to overcome considerable logistical challenges in order to expand its relief program to these areas.
AUTHOR: Lieut. Colonel Bo Brekke
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