Caritas Bangladesh, with Start Fund Support, Provides Emergency Relief to Flood Victims in Rajshahi

Caritas Bangladesh, the social action arm of the Catholic Church, with support from Start Fund Bangladesh, distributed emergency relief to flood-affected families at the premises of Charkhidirpur Government Primary School in Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, on August 27 and 30.

Around 400 families received cash assistance of USD 49.58 (BDT 6,000), emergency hygiene kits, and essential non-food items (NFIs) as part of the relief effort.

Bishop Gervas Rozario of the Diocese of Rajshahi said, “Due to heavy rainfall and upstream inflows, the water level of the Padma River has risen, worsening the flood situation in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts.”

He added, “The affected families, having lost their homes and possessions, are facing displacement and severe hardship in protecting their livestock. Natural disasters are not acts of God; rather, they result from our own shortsighted actions, as nature strikes back. However, during disasters, people must stand beside one another, that is the true essence of humanity and love.”

Heavy rainfall and the influx of upstream tributaries have increased the Padma River’s water level, severely affecting more than 54,600 people in five upazilas of Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj. About 700 hectares of agricultural land have been completely destroyed. Families have lost homes, assets, and crops, while struggling to protect their livestock.

As part of the relief, each affected family received cash assistance, hygiene kits, and NFIs. Additionally, 160 families will be provided with emergency shelter NFIs, based on a mobile survey conducted among the 400 families already assisted.

Mohammad Ramzan Ali, a victim from Charkhidirpur village, shared, “As the water level of the Padma started rising, we were living in fear. At first, I thought nothing serious would happen. But when the water kept increasing, I grew worried. At one point, the water rose above waist level. With no other option, I took my family and livestock by boat to the northern bank of the Padma. It has only been a few days since we returned. There is no food in the house, and we are suffering from a lack of clean drinking water. At this moment, the relief from Caritas will be of great help to us.”

Caritas Bangladesh continues to play a leading role in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, standing with disaster-affected communities through emergency assistance and long-term support.