Caritas Bangladesh in aid of flood victims (photos)

by Sumon Corraya

Catholic volunteers deliver about 50 Euros and a package with items for personal hygiene to 1,650 families. The country is facing the worst floods in 10 years. Three million people affected, more than 15 thousand homes destroyed. Launch of an information campaign against infections and epidemics.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Caritas Bangladesh is launching a series of initiatives to help victims of the devastating floods in Bangladesh. The Catholic charity's volunteers (see the photogallery) distributed 4 thousand BDT (about 46 €) and cleaning kit for each person, for at least 1,650 families affected by the emergency. Efforts are concentrated in two districts in the north of the country. The delivery of relief supplies was also attended by officials of the central government of Dhaka.

In the summer of 2016, Bangladesh - a poor country and often the scene of natural disasters, which annually cause victims - had to face the worst floods in 10 years.

At least three million people, scattered in 16 districts of the country, have been effected in various ways; water and mud spilled by the rivers have washed away more than 15 thousand homes.

Interviewed by AsiaNews Pintu William Gomes, head of the Department of Disaster Management of Bangladesh Caritas he says: "We have distributed aid in two districts, Sirajgonj and Kurigram, those most affected. Soon other districts will be affected by the distribution”.

The head of Caritas stresses that the situation is improving from a point of view of the emergency, but the drama of the affected population continues unabated. "We handed out disinfection kits containing bags, mugs and other basic necessities, so that the population can collect drinking water safely."

Mr. Hamid Islam, one of the many victims in the Sirajgonj district, says: "The Government only gave us dry food, but stocks have run out three days ago. The money received from Caritas – he adds - are of great help. So I want to thank them”.

Danis C. Baskey, regional director of Caritas Rajshahi, also reports that an information campaign has been launched by Catholic volunteers on hygiene and cleanliness in the affected communities, to prevent the risk of infections and epidemics. Among the points in question how to avoid snake bites – a common problem with rising water levels - the use of the toilets, hand washing and personal hygiene.