On August 21, 2024, severe flooding struck Feni District, caused by continuous rainfall and upstream water flow, submerging areas under 8-12 feet of water almost overnight. The crisis rapidly expanded to Noakhali, parts of Cumilla, Chattogram, and regions already affected in Hobigonj and Moulovibazar. The flooding has left over 2 million people stranded in numerous villages, destroyed fish enclosures, poultry farms, and submerged thousands of acres of seedbeds. The breach of flood protection embankments has severely impacted infrastructure, leading to significant economic losses and widespread school closures. In response, Grameenphone has mobilized to provide critical support and aid recovery efforts across these devastated areas. Let me explain how -
Swift and Effective Response
Grameenphone’s response was both timely and strategic, guided by real-time weather updates and our past experiences. Recognizing the severity of the situation, we implemented our pre-approved intervention plan within GP immediately. Our ability to act quickly ensured that aid reached the affected areas precisely when it was needed most, mitigating the impact of the floods efficiently.
Strategic Intervention and Targeted Relief Efforts
With a strategic plan in place, we swiftly deployed five water purification plants within a day of the flood’s onset. These plants were operational by August 23 in Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla, providing clean drinking water during the critical first two weeks. As the floodwaters began to recede, our focus shifted to health care; we set up five medical camps to provide free consultations and medications, addressing the urgent medical needs of the affected population. In the final phase of our intervention, we distributed 10,000 food relief packs by September 9, 2024. Each pack, designed to support a family of four, included 7.5 kg of rice, 1 kg each of lentils, 1 Kg of salt, and sugar each, 1 liter of soy oil, and 0.5 kg of suji. This phased approach ensured that essential needs were met effectively and in a timely manner.
Partnering with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) proved invaluable, as their extensive reach and expertise in disaster response ensured our relief efforts were both efficient and impactful. Their deep understanding of local needs and logistical capabilities greatly enhanced our ability to provide timely and effective support to flood-affected communities.
On-the-Ground Impact and Supervision
Our visit to Chagalnaiya Upazila provided clear evidence of the effectiveness of our intervention. We observed long queues for clean drinking water, underscoring the critical need our purification plants addressed. At our medical camps, each team were handling over 120 patients daily, primarily treating diarrhoea and skin infections, reflecting the pressing health needs of the community. These observations confirmed that our relief efforts were not only well-coordinated but also precisely targeted to address the most urgent needs, ensuring our involvement was both impactful and under rigorous supervision.
Leveraging Social Media for Broader Impact
Beyond direct interventions, we utilized our social media platforms to rally broader support for the flood-affected communities. Our campaign inspired over 7,000 individuals to make direct contributions to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS). Additionally, Grameenphone employees collectively raised more than BDT 3.6 million, which is allocated for the rehabilitation of 30-40 families. This expanded effort highlighted our commitment to providing comprehensive support and alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the floods.
We’re grateful to have been able to support those in need during this crisis, and this experience has deepened our appreciation for the impact of compassionate, results-driven relief efforts and the value of collaborating with partners who can deliver meaningful results.
