Recent flooding across northern Bangladesh has killed over 50 people and affected nearly 4 million people. Monsoon rains have also hit India and Nepal leaving hundreds more dead and millions displaced.
Bishop Paul Sarker, moderator of the Church of Bangladesh, has sent a report to the Anglican Alliance highlighting the devastation caused by the incessant rains and asking the Anglican Communion to keep those affected in their prayers.
It is the fourth time this year that Bangladesh has been hit by floods. Many people are in need of food, shelter, sanitation and drinking water. Almost 600,000 hectares of cropland and over 8000km of road networks are also damaged.
The Red Cross has said that, after the worst flooding these parts of South Asia have seen in decades, many villages are now only accessible by boat and people are running out of food and clean water.
The Church of Bangladesh report said that there is an “enormous loss and damages to life, properties, water and sanitation, crop and livelihoods with immediate and longer [term] effects”.
Relief shelters have been put in place across the 24 affected districts, and the army is assisting with search and rescue operations.
The Church of Bangladesh is concerned for those affected and the longer term effects the flooding will have on their livelihoods. It is preparing to provide support through meeting emergency needs such as shelter, food, clothing, medicine and clean water.
The report said that the Church will work with other agencies, with a focus on the poorest of the poor, and primarily women and children. It will later work to rehabilitate the families that it can. It calls for prayer and support to see an end to the disaster.
USPG have launched an emergency appeal to help the Church of Bangladesh meet immediate needs. You can give to their Rapid Response Fund here.
