Press Release

From the Department for International Development

29 July 2004

DFID Provides 10 Million for Bangladesh Flood Victims

Current situation (as of 29 July 2004)

Flooding in Bangladesh this year has been more severe than usual - 40 of 64 Districts are affected. To date this has resulted in: 24,000 sq km flooded ; 28 million people affected; 394 people dead; 1.5 million houses destroyed; and 1025 schools destroyed. Waters have now started to fall throughout the country, though there is still a risk that tidal activity will prevent draining, resulting in further flooding. There is also the threat of further rain in Bangladesh or India, both of which could raise water levels again. Dhaka is now badly affected, with extensive flooding. There is potential for serious health risks from contamination to water supply. Although generally across Bangladesh waters are receding, the forecast of heavy rain over the next five days may alter the picture.

General Responses

The Government of Bangladesh and NGOs have responded quickly to get food and supplies to affected areas. But NGOs are now beginning to run low on resources and need more support: the Red Cross/Red Crescent have launched an appeal for $3.44m; the UN is to launch an appeal for $36m; the Government of Bangladesh have indicated that they will not be launching an appeal for relief - rather they are encouraging NGOs and their financial supporters to deal with what is not covered by existing government responses (which have been substantial). It is likely however that the Government of Bangladesh will launch an international appeal to cover reconstruction, once the waters have receded and the extent of the longer-term damage is understood. The size of the appeal is not yet known.

DFID's Response

Britain has been one of the quickest and biggest supporters in disasters in Bangladesh and we were the first to make funds generally available, providing £10million (Tk 110 crore) immediately. This money, which has been channelled through the UN - the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - is being used for immediate relief (food, medicines, shelter, clean water, and other essential supplies) and longer-term reconstruction and restoration of livelihoods. The UN are themselves working through NGOs such as Save the Children, Oxfam, and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC).

In addition to the emergency relief already being provided we stand ready to support the Government of Bangladesh and the UN on the work that will be required on recovery and rehabilitation. It will only be possible to assess the extent of the damage once the waters recede.

Britain recognises and applauds the efforts and contributions that have been made by the Government of Bangladesh in response to the disaster. We will work through and alongside the Government as appropriate. From our experience with previous disasters we have developed a strategic approach that has been widely shared with the donor community. DFID have already provided structural and funding assistance to strengthen the capacity of agencies such as WFP to co-ordinate disaster relief work so that they are able to respond rapidly to situations such as the current floods problem.

On 26 July, Gareth Thomas, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development, said: "The £10 million we are giving will help provide emergency food, shelter, medicines, clean water and other essential supplies. The UK is concerned about the deteriorating flood situation in Bangladesh, and stands ready to assist, in support of the effective systems rapidly mobilised by the Government of Bangladesh, to reduce the impact of the floods on those affected. When the waters recede there will be a great need for recovery assistance to enable those affected by the flood to restore their livelihoods. The UK stands ready to provide further support for post flood recovery."

Who should I contact if I want to help?

Individuals in the UK who wish to send donations may wish to do this through the Bangladesh Emergency Flood Appeal (BEFA), which has been set up by Baroness Uddin (House of Lords, London SW1A OPW).

UK NGOs may wish to seek the advice or work with NGOs operating in Bangladesh, which include Concern, Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid, BRAC, and CARE. DFID funding is being channelled through the UN World Food Programme (+880 2 811 6344 ) and UN Development Programme (+880 2 811 8600)

To find out more about DFID's work please call the Public Enquiry Point on 0845 300 4100 or (Journalists only) DFID Press Office on 020 7023 0600.

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