USAID is supporting response efforts to historic monsoon floods in Bangladesh. Photo Credit: Munir Uz Zaman / AFP

Key Developments

Recent seasonal monsoon rains caused significant flooding in low-lying areas of central, northern, and northeastern Bangladesh, affecting approximately 2.8 million people as of July 22.  As of July 20, the floods had resulted in at least 67 deaths, inundated nearly 549,000 households, and displaced approximately 56,000 people to Government of Bangladesh (GoB)-managed shelters, according to the GoB.  At least 100,000 additional people have sought informal shelter along river embankments, rather than in emergency shelters, primarily due to fears of contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  In response to the ongoing floods, the GoB has provided cash assistance, food, and nutritional support to vulnerable populations in flood-affected areas; pre-positioned relief commodities at GoB-managed emergency shelters; and activated medical teams to provide health care services to those in need.

On July 22, U.S. Ambassador Earl R. Miller declared a disaster due to current and projected humanitarian needs resulting from the monsoon floods in Bangladesh.  In response, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) provided $100,000 through USAID/Bangladesh to a USAID/BHA non-governmental organization partner to address water, sanitation, and hygiene needs and provide relief commodities to flood-affected populations.  

Background

Bangladesh is prone to a variety of natural disasters, including cyclones, landslides, monsoon-related floods, and wildfires.  USAID/BHA disaster assistance supports partners to address humanitarian needs and complement GoB disaster relief efforts.  In addition to response activities, USAID/BHA supports initiatives in Bangladesh to improve humanitarian coordination among relief actors and build the capacity of Bangladeshi communities and relief agencies to prepare for and respond to disasters.