Tajnahar, looking out the window after floods devastate her hometown.
Fahad Kaizer/ActionAid
Surviving the floods
In the flood-stricken village of Krishnapur, Noakhali, Bangladesh, 24-year-old Tajnahar waited for relief and supplies as aid failed to reach remote neighbourhoods like hers.
Stranded in a makeshift shelter with dozens of families, as floodwaters cut her and others off from aid, Tajnahar struggled to feed her five-year-old son.
ActionAid's partners have now helped over 3000 individuals in the 8 unions of Noakhali by providing them with relief packages containing dry food, basic groceries, matches, candles and water purifiers.
ActionAid's response in Bangladesh
Our partner in Bangladesh, youth-led Service for Human Being Organisation (SHBO) began its response on 22 August with rescue operations in the affected areas of Shonaimuri, Bajra, Chashirhat, Joyag, Bargaon, Amishapara, and Begumganj union of Noakhali in Bangladesh.
A team of 70-80 volunteers accessed the almost impregnable areas to reach the people who were in the most vulnerable conditions with little to no cellphone connection, relief, or safe shelters.
SHBO's team were able to rescue more than 300 people and brought them back to safety; and has helped over 3000 individuals in the 8 unions of Noakhali by providing them with staples such as dry food, water purifiers and matches to cook with. They also set up a “community kitchen” in Shonaimuri to serve hot meals two times a day for the people surviving in shelter homes. The initiative began with a capacity to cater for 500 people per day and later reached1,500 people per day.
Our other partners, Changemakers for Rights & Development (CRD) quickly led a dedicated team of 10 volunteers and initiated partnerships with other organisations to provide immediate relief to the flood-affected people in shelter homes across other parts of the region.
Together, they provided critical relief supplies to over 2,500 people, many of whom had lost everything in the floods. They paid particular attention to the most vulnerable groups, ensuring that 200 women received sanitary and other hygiene products during the crisis.
The relief items distributed also included dry foods, medicine, first aid kits, and water purifying tablets. These essentials were a lifeline to families struggling in dire conditions, bringing them comfort and security during an incredibly challenging time.
ActionAid's initial response is being followed by a longer term recovery response, which is prioritising the repair of shelter and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and support for community members to re-establish their livelihoods.
Page updated 21 February 2025