27 June, 2022, Kurigram: Water levels in flood-hit Kurigram may have receded, but thousands of people have lost the means of living a dignified life. Several critical problems remain as the flood situation improves, and new ones are adding up for the flood-hit population. In its latest press release, the international development organization Plan International Bangladesh emphasized the need for comprehensive support for the adversely impacted population.
As reported by many media houses, Kurigram is experiencing the worst monsoon flood in over a century. In this context, Plan International Bangladesh is pioneering emergency support for the survivors.
Josna, a young woman from Nageswari, found her house submerged in flood water. This left her life in uncertainty.
“Our daily life has been turned upside down with this single flood. My house went underwater. Wherever I look, there’s nothing except flood water. My whole family suffers from food shortages, but I have added challenges. How would I maintain my menstrual hygiene? I have no clue!” said Josna.
To stand beside people like Josna, Plan International Bangladesh has distributed food and non-food items among the flood-affected families in Kachakata and Ballaberkhash unions of Nageswari Upazila of Kurigram district. The response focuses on the needs of young women and girls.
5560 packets of dry food, 1,00,000 water purification tablets, 1840 Non-Food Items (NFI), and 1820 Menstrual Health Management (MHM) kits have been distributed during the first phase of the response.
Morjina, another young woman from Nageswari, shared, “Following the devastating floods, we do not have any options to cook food. Receiving dry food is a great relief for us. The menstrual hygiene kits are also essential, as we cannot even share this problem with others in this crisis.”
Mahidev Jubo Somaj Kallayan Somity is supporting Plan International Bangladesh as a partner in implementing this response.
Ashik Billah, Head of Central & Northern Region of Plan International Bangladesh, Shahadat Hossain Chairman of Kachakata Union Parishad, and SM Abdur Razzak, Chairman of Ballaberkash Union Parishad, were present at the distribution point.
“From media reports, we know that around 2 lakh people in Kurigram have become homeless due to this flood. Plan International Bangladesh has been the first responder in Nageswari since the flood hit the community. However, we cannot ensure the protection of the entire community by ourselves. We all need to come forward in a joint effort. This is a moment of crisis for the people of Kurigram, and we all have a role to play”, said Ashik Billah.
“Children are getting sick due to water-borne diseases. The sufferings of pregnant women and new mothers are beyond our imagination. Strengthened health facilities have become a crying need now”, he added.
Plan International Bangladesh will continue responding to this area, focusing on child protection, gender-based violence, and education along with the needs of girls and young women.
