Concern Worldwide is responding to devastating landslides and flooding in poverty-stricken Bangladesh that have killed over 135 people and left thousands homeless.
Concern, whose staff have been relieving poverty in Bangladesh since 1972, is helping those affected in the southeast of the country after heavy monsoon rains.
“Bangladesh is one of the countries that is worst affected by climate change and these floods compound the situation on an already very poor and vulnerable population.”
Concern’s Regional Director for Asia and Middle East, Brid Kennedy, said: “This is extremely devastating in an already very poor part of the country where many people live in extreme poverty in makeshift huts.
“Sadly, over 135 people have so far been killed, including women, children and the death toll is expected to continue to rise.
“Bangladesh is one of the countries that is worst affected by climate change and these floods compound the situation on an already very poor and vulnerable population.”
Concern’s Country Director in Bangladesh, A.K.M. Musha, said: “The government of Bangladesh, the army, police, fire service and civil defense are managing the rescue operation and providing shelter, food, and basic sanitation facilities for 4,500 people in the affected areas of Bandarban, Chittagong, and Rangamati.
“We are responding through our partner organization on the ground, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), providing support to the government in evacuation, search, and rescue. We are monitoring the situation and ready to provide additional support to the affected people.”
Concern has been fighting extreme poverty in Bangladesh for 45 years and today has 55 staff working with local partner organizations in the country.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 1.6 feet of rain in Rangamati alone over the past two days. The mudslides swept over thatched homes and settlements, and telephone and transport lines have been cut off.
The death toll in affected areas is expected to increase as there are many people still reported missing.
Concern has been fighting extreme poverty in Bangladesh for 45 years and today has 55 staff working with local partner organizations in the country located between Burma and India in the Bay of Bengal.
Bangladesh is just over twice the size of South Carolina, with a population of roughly 161 million — making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
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