YPSA, with support from International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched an emergency relief initiative to support flood-affected families in Banshkhali Upazila, Chattogram. As part of the response, 500 tarpaulins distributed among the most vulnerable households to help them restore temporary shelter following the devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall and flashflood.
The distribution covers three severely affected areas of Banshkhali:
- Katharia Union: 200 tarpaulins
- Shorol Union: 200 tarpaulins
- Joldi Pourashava: 100 tarpaulins
On Wednesday, 22 July, an IOM delegation led by Laura Bonde, Chief of Mission, IOM Bangladesh, visited the flood-affected low-lying areas of Katharia Union to assess the situation, meet with affected families, and distribute the first batch of tarpaulins.
During the visit, Laura Bonde expressed her sympathy for the affected communities and reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting them. She noted that IOM had been closely monitoring the flood situation through media reports and YPSA and that witnessing the widespread damage firsthand underscored the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. She emphasized that the current support represents the initial phase of IOM’s response and reaffirmed the organization’s intention to continue assisting flood-affected communities through larger-scale interventions in the future.
Speaking during the event, Mohammad Shahjahan, Director of YPSA, highlighted the organization’s continuous commitment to protecting vulnerable communities before, during, and after disasters. He emphasized that YPSA had taken anticipatory action before the disaster by disseminating early warning messages, mobilizing community volunteers, coordinating with local authorities, and encouraging timely evacuation of at-risk households. Following the floods, YPSA immediately activated its emergency response, with trained volunteers supporting evacuation efforts, assisting families at emergency shelters, and distributing dry food and other essential humanitarian assistance to affected people.
He further stated that YPSA remains committed to working alongside government agencies, humanitarian partners, and local communities to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure timely support for people affected by climate-induced disasters.
The field visit was attended by representatives from IOM, local government, and YPSA, including:
From IOM
- Laura Bonde – Chief of Mission
- Syed Shahrear Shabab – National Project Officer, Disaster Displacement Response and Recovery
- Tarek Mahmud – Senior Media and Communication Associate
- Soumin Sharid – Communications Assistant
From YPSA
- Mohammad Shahjahan – Director
- Sanzida Akther – Project Manager
- S. M. Shahriar Alam – Project Officer (MEAL)
- Mahinur Akter – Project Officer
- Kalyan Barua – Development Worker
Also present were Md. Ruhul Amin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Banshkhali, Acting Chairman of Katharia Union Badsha Mia, Union Parishad Secretary Harunur Rashid Chowdhury, Union Parishad members, local community leaders, and other YPSA officials.
Through this joint initiative, YPSA and IOM aim to provide immediate shelter assistance to families who have lost or severely damaged their homes while continuing to strengthen community resilience and support long-term recovery efforts in the flood-affected areas of Banshkhali.