Bangladesh | “Worst floods in three decades”: 3 million people impacted

5,000 BRAC staff on the ground providing emergency relief support

DHAKA, 22 August 2024: 3 million people are stranded in catastrophic flash floods in Bangladesh spanning eight districts across the eastern and southern parts of the country. At least one person has been reported dead in floodwaters so far. Fast-moving water has inundated vast areas of farmland, destroying livelihoods, homes, and crops. 3 million people are stranded, many without electricity, food or water. In the southeastern district of Feni, one of the hardest-hit regions, over 350,000 residents have been plunged into darkness due to severed electricity lines. Breakdowns in telecommunications, interruptions to transport, and flooded roads and highways are complicating rescue efforts.

“These are the worst floods we have seen in three decades. Entire villages, all of the families who lived in them, and everything they owned – homes, livestock, farmlands, fisheries – have been washed away. People had no time to save anything. There are people stranded across the country, and we are expecting the situation to worsen in many places as rains continue,” explained Dr Md Liakath Ali, BRAC’s Director of Climate Change, Urban Development, and Disaster Risk Management.

BRAC teams on the ground

Founded in Bangladesh 52 years ago, BRAC has mobilised 5,000 of its employees on the ground. BRAC staff are supporting communities with rescue efforts, dry food, safe drinking water and emergency medicine across the impacted regions, and have already released BDT 30 million (£191,000) to support the first wave of relief efforts.

Global appeal 

BRAC has launched a global appeal for funds. Donations can be made through BRAC’s dedicated website, which also offers more information and updates.

Experts and photos available

BRAC senior leadership, local teams and people affected on the ground

Photos available for use so long as copyright is included and images are not used out of situational context:

Video 1: Moulvibazar, northeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Video 2: Moulvibazar, northeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Video 3: Moulvibazar, northeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Video 4: Raozan, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Video 5: Chattogram, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Photo 1: Khagrachari, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Caption: BRAC staff distributing dry food, water and emergency saline to people stranded in Khagrachari, southeastern Bangladesh.

Photo 2: Cumilla, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Photo 3: Cumilla, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Photo 4: Cumilla, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Photo 5: Khagrachari, southeastern Bangladesh, 22 August 2024, © BRAC

Caption: A BRAC staff member carries a bag of dry food, water and emergency medicine to reach families stranded in Khagrachari, southeastern Bangladesh.

Media contacts

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (GMT+10):

Sarah-Jane Saltmarsh, Head, Thought Leadership and English Content, BRAC: sarah.jane@brac.net | Phone: +61477 910 903 | WhatsApp: +88017 389 379 85

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (GMT +6):

Ayan Soofi, Senior Manager, Thought Leadership and English Content, BRAC:

ayan.soofi@brac.net | Phone/WhatsApp: +880 1714-414262

LONDON, UK:

Chris Lyne, Director of Communications & External Engagement, BRAC UK | Mobile / WhatsApp +44 07365 267617 | chris@bracuk.net

WASHINGTON, DC (GMT – 5):

Mica Bevington, Director of Communications and Digital Fundraising, BRAC USA | Phone / WhatsApp +1-202-290-9264 | mica.bevington@bracusa.org

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