Battling Bangladesh’s Worst Floods in Decades: JAAGO Foundation’s Threefold Response

Bangladesh is grappling with one of the worst floods in its history, with over 5 million people affected across various regions. In times of such unprecedented calamity, swift action is crucial to alleviate the sufferings of the affected people.

As the waters surged and displaced millions, JAAGO Foundation and its youth wing, Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) quickly mobilised resources and launched a comprehensive relief effort to stand by the flood victims in their time of need.

Our approach to aiding flood-affected people took shape through three critical phases: rescue, relief, and rehabilitation.

1. Rescue: Saving Lives Amidst the Waters

When the flash floods hit, thousands of families found themselves trapped by rapidly rising waters, with homes, crops, and livelihoods submerged. Even highways went underwater, there was no electricity for days. Given the circumstances, our first priority was to bring the trapped and stranded people to safety. Recognising the urgency of the situation, our volunteers quickly mobilized to conduct rescue operations.

Within days, over 2,000 individuals were rescued from some of the hardest-hit areas. These volunteers, many of whom were local to the flooded regions, displayed extraordinary courage. Armed with boats, ropes, and other equipment, they waded through dangerous waters, often risking their own lives to ensure the safety of others.

JAAGO’s focus during this phase was clear: no one should be left behind. From elderly individuals and children to families with newborns, the volunteers made sure that everyone in need was brought to safety. This immediate action was essential in preventing further loss of life during the peak of the flooding.

2. Relief: Bringing Hope to the Displaced

With more than 2,000 people rescued and thousands more displaced, JAAGO knew that rescuing people from danger was just the beginning. The next step was to provide for the urgent needs of those who had lost everything. Food, clean water, and basic hygiene supplies were scarce in many areas, and the risk of waterborne diseases loomed large.

In response, the organization focused on delivering relief to those most affected. Through the generous support of donors, JAAGO’s volunteers distributed relief bags containing essential food items to 16,900 individuals. Each bag was carefully packed with staples like rice, lentils, potato, salt, puffed rice, jaggery, saline and water purification tablets—items that would help families survive the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

In addition to food, VBD volunteers worked to ensure that medical care was available to the sick and injured. With many flood victims suffering from dehydration, infections, and injuries sustained during the flooding, access to basic healthcare was critical. 

Operating across 10 districts and 32 upazilas, our relief efforts were widespread. Over 450 volunteers worked day and night to reach even the most remote areas, often travelling by boat or on foot to deliver supplies to those who had been cut off by the floodwaters.

3. Rehabilitation: Restoring Lives and Livelihoods

While rescue and relief are vital in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, long-term recovery is just as crucial. JAAGO understands that the real challenge lies in helping flood-affected families rebuild their lives once the waters recede. That’s why the organization’s third phase of effort focuses on rehabilitation.

Our rehabilitation efforts are aimed at restoring not just homes but also livelihoods. In the coming weeks, JAAGO plans to assist flood-affected communities in repairing homes, rebuilding infrastructure, and regaining access to clean water and sanitation. Many farmers, who are now facing the devastation of their crops, will need support to restore their agricultural activities. For others, small businesses that were washed away will require resources and financial aid to restart.

The rehabilitation phase will be an ongoing process, requiring sustained effort and continued support from donors and partners. But with the resilience of the communities and the dedication of our volunteers, there is hope that those affected by the floods will be able to rebuild their lives and thrive once again.

How You Can Help

JAAGO Foundation’s mission to rescue, relieve, and rehabilitate flood-affected people in Bangladesh is a monumental task, but it is made possible through the kindness and generosity of people like you. By donating to JAAGO’s flood relief fundraiser, you can ensure help and hope for those who have lost everything to the disastrous floods.

In the face of such devastation, every contribution counts. Whether large or small, your support can make a difference in the lives of thousands of flood-affected families. Stand with JAAGO as we continue our work to rescue, relieve, and rehabilitate the people of Bangladesh.

To donate, visit: https://jaago.com.bd/bangladesh-flood-2024