ACF Mounts Response to Flooding on Bangladesh-Myanmar Border

TEKNAF, BANGLADESH & RAKHINE STATE, MYANMAR—In the aftermath of three days of torrential rains that caused flooding and landslides in the border region between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Action Against Hunger’s teams on the ground have mobilized to respond.

In Myanmar, global humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger | ACF International is closely coordinating with the agencies and authorities present in the region and using its current operational set-up to deliver emergency clean water and sanitationservices and distribute basic items, including cooking utensils, to the affected population. Authorities estimate the rains have killed at least 99 people and wiped out homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

“Hygiene and sanitation infrastructure has been washed away in the flooding, leaving the population at much greater risk of contracting water-borne diseases,” says Tarik Kadir, Myanmar Desk Officer for Action Against Hunger. “We’re monitoring the situation very closely.”

On the Myanmar side, hundreds of latrines have been damaged or submerged in the flood waters. In addition, a large number of communal water points have been rendered unsafe.

Farming communities have also been adversely affected by the heavy monsoon rains. A number of rice seedling nurseries were destroyed, and most farmers cannot afford to buy new seeds to re-sow their fields. With rice prices already on the rise prior to the flooding, ACF’s response will anticipate a worsening of the food security situation among farming communities.

In Bangladesh, after the first assistance was delivered by authorities, Action Against Hunger’s teams are assessing the situation in Teknaf to investigate needs for further assistance.