ISDE distributes food aid to 500 flood-hit families in Pekua
ISDE Bangladesh distributed food packages to 500 flood-affected families in Shilkhali Union of Pekua upazila in Cox's Bazar on Saturday (25 July).
The distribution is part of a phased humanitarian programme targeting 5,000 families affected by recent flooding in Chakaria, Pekua and Matamuhuri upazilas, according to a press release.
The programme is funded by Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).
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Each family received 10kg of rice, 7kg of pulses, three litres of soya bean oil, 3kg of sugar and 1kg of salt.
Attending the distribution programme were Shilkhali Union Parishad Chairman Kamal Uddin, social worker Rezaul Karim, and SK Fisheries proprietor and social worker Jahedul Karim.
Also attending from ISDE Bangladesh were Md Jahangir Alam, Programme Coordinator; Jalal Uddin, Upazila Manager; Supam Barua, Project Officer; Mostaq Ahmed, Project Officer (Mill); and Taj Uddin, Logistics Officer.
"Many families lost their homes and resources in the recent floods and are facing severe financial hardship and food shortages," Kamal Uddin said.
"Such humanitarian assistance is helping to alleviate their suffering. Alongside government initiatives, the participation of non-governmental organisations is important in disaster response," he added.
Md Jahangir Alam said the food assistance was being distributed in phases among 5,000 families in Chakaria, Pekua and Matamuhuri upazilas.
"Beneficiaries are being selected and assistance distributed with support from the local administration and public representatives," he said.
Recipients said the floods had severely disrupted their income and livelihoods, and the food packages would ease their immediate difficulties.
ISDE Bangladesh said it had so far provided food assistance to 56,500 people in Cox's Bazar's remote host communities, flood-affected areas and Rohingya refugee camps.
The organisation said it would continue its humanitarian activities to support food security in disaster-affected communities.
