Bangladesh Flooding Response

October 08 Update

Report on Medical Camp in Lakshmipur, Chandraganj

Location: Lakshmipur, Chandraganj
Event: Medical Camp

A medical camp was organized in Lakshmipur, Chandraganj to provide healthcare services to the local population. During the camp, it was observed that nearly 90% of the individuals who came for medical attention were suffering from illnesses typically associated with waterborne diseases. The prevalent conditions included:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach aches
• General weakness
• Fever -Nausea -Vomiting

Additionally, several individuals exhibited skin diseases, which can be attributed to contaminated water sources. These health issues are directly linked to the water contamination caused by recent flooding in the area.

Though the water levels have receded, access to clean drinking water remains a significant challenge. The lack of safe water is exacerbating the health crisis, with residents still dependent on contaminated sources, which continue to pose serious health risks.

Emerging Concerns in Additional Areas

Kurigram, Rangpur, and Sherpur have also been identified as flood-affected areas after experiencing intense rainfall for two weeks.

Immediate intervention is required to address both the water contamination issues in Lakshmipur and the emerging flood risks in Kurigram, Rangpur, and Sherpur. The potential for increased waterborne illnesses and further displacement is high, calling for urgent attention to healthcare, sanitation, and water supply infrastructure.

Recommendations

• Provide immediate access to clean drinking water in affected areas.
• Increase the number of medical camps to address the rising health issues.
• Ensure distribution of water filtration system to mitigate waterborne diseases.

August 20, 2024

On August 20 2024, severe monsoon rains and dam releases caused catastrophic flooding in eastern Bangladesh, affecting over 5.8 million people and displacing 1.2 million. Sylhet and Chattogram divisions were hardest hit, with 74 subdistricts inundated, leaving families stranded and in desperate need of basic supplies. The flooding has also devastated nearly 297,000 hectares of farmland, threatening food security for millions.

Access to clean water is a critical need as the risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and skin infections rises. Over 500,000 people are currently in evacuation shelters, facing shortages of clean water, food, and medicine. Our goal is to provide immediate relief, focusing on clean water access to prevent disease outbreaks.

Sources: Relief Web International, Reuters

How you can help

Waves For Water is responding with our local team on the ground. With water infrastructure damaged and sources contaminated, we aim to address the immediate need for clean water access by deploying point-of-use filtration systems.