Following severe flash floods that struck Pakua Upazila in Cox’s Bazar between 09–11 July 2026, YPSA conducted an emergency rapid assessment covering 7 unions and Pakua Pourashava. The assessment revealed that approximately 23,600 households were significantly affected, with 9,500 households enduring waterlogged conditions for five consecutive days. Around 800 people (158 households) were temporarily displaced, 350 people were sheltered in cyclone centers and schools, and tragically, two children lost their lives, one to drowning and one to a landslide.
In response, under the emergency support from Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), YPSA immediately mobilized an Emergency Flood Response 2026 operation, prioritizing emergency dry food distribution to the most affected unions across Pakua Upazila.
As of 15 July 2026, YPSA has completed three out of six planned distribution rounds, reaching 500 households across three unions. The distribution began on 14 July 2026 in Pekua Sadar Union at Horina Pari, where 100 households from Ward 04 received emergency dry food packages. On 15 July 2026, two simultaneous distributions were conducted – 200 households across Wards 01 and 03 were reached at Barbakia UP Complex in Barbakia Union, and another 200 households from Wards 04 and 06 received assistance in Shilkhali Union.
The remaining two distributions on 15 July brought the total to 500 households reached so far, representing 50% of the overall target of 1,000 households. The final three distribution rounds are scheduled for 16 July 2026, covering 100 households in Pekua Sadar (Ward 02) at Abu Shawdagor Arer Dokan, 200 households in Rajakhali Union (Wards 02 and 09) at Alekdia Matbarpara, and 200 households in Toitong Union (Wards 02, 06, and 08) at Toitong UP Complex, which will complete the full 1,000-household target upon conclusion of all activities.
“In Pekua Upazila, especially here in Barbakia Union, our people have been struck hard by this flood disaster — they are left without shelter, without food, and without medicine. The emergency food items provided by YPSA and NRC are of excellent quality and will last for many days, providing sufficient nutrition for each affected family during this critical time. I am here at my Union Parishad office witnessing this distribution firsthand, and on behalf of the people of Barbakia Union, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to YPSA and NRC for coming forward with such quality emergency food support for our community in this hour of need.”— AHM Badiul Alam, Chairman, Barbakia Union Parishad, Pekua Upazila, Cox’s Bazar
“YPSA is the first emergency responder in the flood emergency 2026 across Chattogram Division. Our commitment is clear — zero casualties and minimising the loss of community assets. Whenever disaster strikes, we move forward first to stand beside our affected people. In this flood response 2026, YPSA is actively working across multiple areas under Chattogram Division, and it is only possible because of the invaluable support of the local administration, community people, local volunteers, our development partners, and our own experienced field staff who work tirelessly on the ground. Together, we are making this emergency response happen.”— Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive, YPSA.
Each beneficiary household is receiving an Emergency Dry Food Package including Packet Puffed Rice/Muri 1 kg, Packet Chira-1 Kg, Packet Sugar 1Kg, Energy Biscuits – Family Pack, ORS 5 packets for each HH, Soap, Candle 6 Pcs for each HH (big size), and Gas light -1 light designed to address immediate food security needs.
Based on the findings of the UP Chairman and Administrative Officer, and affected people, the ongoing priority needs also food security include cash assistance for the most vulnerable households; nutritional support for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers; non-food items (NFIs) such as emergency shelter kits, household kitchen utensils, hygiene kits, and clothing and dignity kits for women and girls, as well as WASH & Shelter including rehabilitation of damaged tube wells and water points, cash for shelter repair, installation of emergency latrines, and supply of cleaning and disinfection materials
YPSA field teams will complete the remaining three distribution rounds on 16 July 2026, covering Rajakhali, Toitong, and the remaining wards of Pekua Sadar, bringing the total number of households reached to 1,000. By this process, YPSA continues to coordinate with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Upazila Project Implementing Officer (U-PIO), Union Administrative Officers, local government authorities of affected unions, and humanitarian partners to assess evolving needs and scale up response as required.