The recent flooding in Bangladesh, particularly in Noakhali, triggered by heavy rainfall in late August 2024, resulted in a humanitarian crisis affecting thousands. Reports indicate over 5.8 million individuals were affected, with significant displacement into evacuation shelters. In response, BASTOB, with the support of HELP e.V., launched an emergency relief initiative to address critical needs and provide life-saving support to flood-affected families. This report documents the comprehensive efforts, achievements, and challenges encountered throughout the project.
Project Objectives:
The emergency flood relief project aims to save lives, prevent, and alleviate the suffering of 2,000 families affected by recent massive flooding across Noakhali, Comilla & Feni. This initiative focuses on responding to the immediate needs of flood victims, restoring essential services, and fostering recovery.
Result (Expected Outcomes Achieved During the Project Period)
During the assessment, 2,026 families from Begumganj and Kobirhat upazilas were identified. Initially, food items were distributed to 26 families to cover the immediate needs and later, through this project, there were provided food and hygiene supplies to 2,000 families. Each family received 5kg of rice, 1kg of lentils, 1 liter of soybean oil, 2kg of potatoes, 1kg of salt, 1kg of sugar, and 1box of cookies. Hygiene kits included sanitary pads,(1 packet) soap (1), water purifier tablets (30 tablets) and 15 packets of oral saline & bucket of 20 liters. BASTOB extends its gratitude to local authorities, volunteers, and stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in ensuring timely aid, addressing critical needs, and restoring hope during this crisis.,
List of NFIs for 2000 families are given below:
Sl Particular Quantity
1 Buckets 2000
2 Cookies 2000
3 Rice 10000 kg
4 Lentil 2000 kg
5 Soyabean oil (1 Litre) 2000
6 Potatoes 4000 kg
7 Salt 2000 kg
8 Sugar 2000kg
9 Hygiene Kits includes
• Sanitary pad 2000
• Soap (1 Pieces for each family) 125 gram 2000
• Water Purifier Tablets (3 Pis per family) 1 packet contains 5 Pis 2000
• Saline Packet (15 Pis per family) (1 packet contain 25 pis) 30000
Major Activities:
This project completion report highlights BASTOB’s key activities, from project approval to the distribution of relief items. It includes needs assessment, supply procurement, coordination with local authorities, and volunteer engagement, resulting in successful aid distribution to 2,000 families over four phases.
I. Approval and Funding
• NGO Clearance: FD7 clearance secured by September 1st, 2024.
II. Procurement
• Three vendors were selected following organizational procurement policies.
• Lowest bidder chosen after bid evaluation.
• All relief items were delivered to the warehouse on time.
III. Visibility materials development & packaging
Visibility materials such as stickers and banners were created and placed on buckets and relief packets. Banners were displayed at distribution centers, and relief cards were distributed a day in advance to ensure an organized distribution process and accurately identify those in need. Volunteers conducted door-to-door visits to households for verification and assessment of the most vulnerable individuals.
IV. Volunteer Engagement
A team of 25 volunteers was engaged to handle the packaging, card distribution, and material distribution for 2,000 families. In line with the budget, transportation expenses and food allowances were also provided to the volunteers.
V. Card Distribution
• Multiple visits to Chayani Union ensured updated beneficiary lists and efficient relief card distribution:
o First Round: October 1-3, 2024.
o Second Round: October 21-24, 2024.
o Third Round: October 28-31, 2024.
o Final Round: November 6-8, 2024
These efforts reflect BASTOB’s commitment to aiding flood-affected families efficiently and transparently.
VI. Distribution Point were selected considering the following issues:
1. Accessibility and Convenience: The location is easy to reach and convenient for all beneficiaries.
2. Safety and Security: The area ensures a safe and secure environment for both beneficiaries and staff.
3. Availability of Washroom Facilities: Proper sanitation facilities are available for the comfort of participants.
4. Ample Space: The location has sufficient space to accommodate the crowd and ensure an organized distribution process.
5. Proximity to Target Beneficiaries: The point is close to the areas where the identified vulnerable families reside, minimizing travel challenges.
VII. Storage, Packaging and Transportation
Relief items were securely stored, carefully packaged for easy transport, and delivered to distribution points using covered vans, ensuring timely and safe access for flood-affected families.
VIII. Distribution Phases:
Relief efforts prioritized the most vulnerable, including female-headed households, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized groups, ensuring critical support for recovery.
Monitoring and Supervision (M&S) for the Flood Relief Project in Noakhali
The monitoring and supervision were directly overseen by Ranjit Chandra Das, the Assistant Executive Director of BASTOB. He ensured the quality of materials, closely monitored the packaging and distribution process, and was physically present with the team in Noakhali.
CASE 01- Ayesha Khatun, Housewife
Ayesha Khatun, a devoted housewife and mother of two from Bhugotipur, faced unimaginable hardships during the recent floods that devastated Noakhali. With her husband unable to work due to the flooding, the family found themselves in a dire situation, struggling to provide for their children amidst rising waters that engulfed their home. As the floodwaters rose, Ayesha and her family sought refuge in a nearby madrasa building, which had been repurposed as a flood shelter. This temporary shelter provided some safety, but the uncertainty of their circumstances weighed heavily on Ayesha’s heart. With limited resources and the stress of caring for her young children, she often worried about how they would survive each day. Fortunately, aid began to arrive at the relief center. Ayesha was among the many families who received essential supplies, including food, clean water, and hygiene kits.
“When I received the relief items, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” Ayesha shared. “The food helped us regain some strength, and knowing that my children had access to clean water brought me peace of mind.”
The support provided through the relief efforts made a significant difference in Ayesha’s life during this challenging time. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the assistance her family received, stating, “I am thankful for the help we got; it has given us hope and a chance to rebuild our lives.”
