The Salvation Army and Tear Fund (UK) join forces to help flood victims in Bangladesh

The Salvation Army's aid effort to help flood victims in Bangladesh has been boosted by a £10,000 donation from TEAR Fund (UK).

Colonel Ethne Flintoff, leader of The Salvation Army in Bangladesh, reports, ‘This generous support will allow us to provide basic 15-day survival packs for 2,000 families in the communities of Gopalgonj and Barisal, in the south of the country. Our relief teams have already distributed five-day ration packages in these areas and we are very grateful to TEAR Fund (UK) for helping us extend this support. Our teams will be distributing these supplies directly to family homes as we have found that some of the most vulnerable families cannot make their way to the distribution centres. Each pack will contain rice, dal, salt, cooking oil, matches and suji (a nutricious porridge for toddlers). Essential medicines and water purification solution will also be provided to those most in need.’

The Salvation Army is working closely with the Government of Bangladesh to identify communities which have not yet received any assistance. To help strengthen links with other organisations and UN agencies, Major Mike Olsen – an experienced disaster response coordinator – has been sent to Dhaka by the International Emergency Services office to work as The Salvation Army’s liaison officer.

Major Olsen reports: ‘Although the floods are receding in almost all areas of the country, there is still a real emergency here. It is essential that our efforts are stepped up even further to make sure families have access to food and clean water and we are appealing for financial assistance to help us expand our support.'

Government figures highlight the severity of the floods. More than 600 lives have been lost, at least 1.6 million people are housed in temporary shelters, 20,000 head of livestock have been killed and an estimated 2.5 million acres of crops partially or totally destroyed. More than six million people, affected by disease epidemics and lack of food and water, need immediate help. Rehabilitation will become increasingly important as the flood waters retreat.

Donations to the Bangladesh Flood Relief Effort are still needed. All extra funds will ensure that The Salvation Army can continue to give help where it is needed most.