WFP starts early flood assistance in haor areas
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched anticipatory action in Bangladesh's northeastern haor region, delivering focused support to communities at risk of severe flooding.
Under the initiative, life-saving cash assistance is being distributed to vulnerable communities in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts of Sylhet division, WFP said in a statement on 30 April.
Through its anticipatory action programme, WFP is delivering Tk5,000 directly to each household at high risk of flooding, based on reliable weather forecasts and pre-agreed triggers.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The first round of cash distribution began on the evening of 29 April, ahead of the predicted flood peak within the next 48 hours.
The assistance enables families to purchase food and essentials in advance, and to protect their homes and livelihoods before floodwaters rise.
WFP noted that early action before disasters peak can greatly reduce loss of life and damage to livelihoods, making it more effective than post-disaster assistance.
As of 30 April, more than 20,000 families had received cash assistance and early warning alerts.
The initiative is funded by the WFP Trust Fund and the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
Under the programme, a further 4,400 families enrolled in government-run social safety net schemes are also receiving additional cash top-ups to meet urgent needs.
WFP said the initiative embodies its longstanding partnership with the Bangladesh government to strengthen national social protection systems and enhance climate resilience, allowing faster support through existing programmes during emergencies.
WFP Bangladesh Acting Country Director Simone Parchment, currently overseeing operations in Sylhet, said early action is progressively vital as climate risks intensify and become more frequent.
"Through anticipatory action, families can prepare in advance—securing food, protecting assets or moving to safer locations. It gives them the time and resources needed to prepare for floods, safeguard livelihoods and reduce disaster losses," Parchment said.
Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, ranking ninth globally for disaster risk in the World Risk Index 2024, according to the release.
Since 2017, WFP has implemented anticipatory action in Bangladesh under government leadership, with support from partners including the European Union, Germany, Ireland and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
A recent study by WFP and its partners found that every $1 invested in early assistance can avert up to $7 in losses and generate broader positive impacts.
