The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is concerned about the approximately 80,000 people in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts who have lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the disastrous floods that have hit the city since July 27.
Nearly 2,500 vegetable gardens have been partially or completely destroyed, and 140 trees have been felled, prompting fears about soil erosion and further landslides triggered by the greatest rains in more than ten years, according to residents.
The growing urbanization of both the Teknaf and Ukhiya sub-districts may have caused the natural drainage system to become clogged, causing precipitation to build quickly and cause flash floods.
Since the monsoon rains began, IOM has been assisting local Cyclone Preparedness Programme volunteers in disseminating early warning messages on landslides and evacuation to over 175,000 people living in 244 susceptible areas across Cox’s Bazar District.
Thousands of displaced families have sought safety in cyclone shelters established by the local government. They are currently receiving aid in the form of relief supplies, security, and medical assistance.
The livelihoods program of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) offers a variety of income-generating opportunities to members of the host community. Since 2017, more than 6,000 Rohingya refugees have received self-reliance programs, and around 11,000 host community members have gained access to livelihood prospects.
Many people of the community have now lost all of their livelihoods and assets as a result of the floods, including cattle, fisheries, and crops, and are in desperate need of assistance. Over 3,000 persons who received livelihood assistance will lose thousands of dollars.
Since the rains began, several people have reported they have severely cut the quality and amount of their regular meals, utilized their savings or credit to purchase food, or become completely reliant on outside assistance to survive.
In Teknaf, IOM assessment teams conducted an emergency needs assessment to better understand the floods’ immediate and long-term impact on the lives and livelihoods of host communities.
The assessment emphasized the urgent need to repair damaged houses, latrines, bathing facilities, and roads in the impacted communities, as well as the need for multipurpose cash assistance to help individuals reclaim their things.
The flood-affected residents of the host community, as well as the refugees currently sheltering in camps in Cox’s Bazar, require immediate assistance.
Here is a link to the IOM Bangladesh 2021 Appeal.
The Cyclone Preparedness Programme and the restoration of cyclone shelters, as well as part of IOM’s livelihood options for host communities in Cox’s Bazar, are supported by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
