The Bangladesh government and World Vision Bangladesh have partnered together over the past few days to ensure much needed relief items are delivered to communities severely affected by the floods. These distributions took place in the World Vision Kalmakanda Area Development Program (ADP) in the northern Netrokona district, 159 kilometers north of Dhaka.

A total of 200 families taking shelter in one of the 22 community centers in Kalmakanda sub-district, received the essential relief materials. Each family received two relief packages as Kalmakanda ADP had provided both food and non-food packages including two kilos of lentils, 1 litre of vegetable oil, 1 kilo of salt, 3 packs of ORS to combine with the government's package, which contained 10 kilos rice, candles, matches and soap.

Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed took part in the relief distribution along with Diraj Malakar, Secretary, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management. Also present was Ayatullah Mazumder, Deputy Commissioner of Netrokona District and World Vision officials of the Japanese-funded Kalmakanda ADP.

The Kalmakanda ADP Manager explained that they would continue operating the distribution program to benefit more than 1,100 flood-affected families in the program area.

"Four assessment teams of World Vision Disaster Response Teams have visited the affected areas to conduct key assessments, which will inform the relief operation proposal currently being prepared," said Manager, Sangma,

He continued, "The Army Chief Ahmed appreciated World Vision's and other NGOs swift flood disaster response."

World Vision Germany-funded Faridpur ADP also plans to distribute relief materials to the many flood victims who have taken shelter in local educational institutions, homes of relatives and on the embankment of the Padma River. With the cooperation of the local government, Faridpur ADP manager Theotonius Gomes will begin relief distributions to 1,500 families including World Vision sponsored children.

A number of country and engine boats were hired by Faridpur ADP to rescue the flood-affected people trapped in the low-lying areas. The ADP manager Gomes further explained how each relief pack would contain 10 kilos rice, 2 kilos lentil, 1 kilo salt, 2 kilos flattened rice, 1 kilo sugar to the 1,500 families in need.

Following discussions a decision was made by the Crisis Management Team (CMT) headed by Theophil Hajong, Director of Operations and Officer In-Charge, it was advised that a further six World Vision Development Programs including the areas of Tarash, Sariakandi, Nowabganj, Dhobaura, Sherpur, Narayanganj are also most likely to suffer from the floods, and that relief operations should commence as and when required.

This disaster has left 44 of a total 64 districts in Bangladesh faced with severe flooding, and the situation is likely to gradually worsen as heavy rainfall is expected in coming days.

For more details, photos or interviews please contact Raphael Palma, Partnership Communications Coordinator, WV Bangladesh, phone (off): 8802-8813555-7, cell: 0171-3-011673, res: 8802-8129819, e-mail: raphael_palma@wvi.org

Or Andrea Russell, Asia Pacific Regional Crisis and Relief Communications Manager, cell: (India) +91 9989238 223, email: andrea_russell@wvi.org