Climate disasters have displaced nearly 5m people in Bangladesh: IOM
Aid reaches 1,000 flood-hit families in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar.
Some 4.96 million people in Bangladesh have been internally displaced by disasters, highlighting the country's growing vulnerability to climate change, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said.
Speaking at a relief distribution programme for flood-affected families in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram today (17 July), IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Laura Tomm-Bonde said Bangladesh is among the world's most disaster-prone countries due to climate change, according to a press release.
"According to IOM estimates, around 4.96 million people have been internally displaced by disasters in Bangladesh. Many of them experience repeated climate-related disasters and remain displaced for prolonged periods," she said.
Tomm-Bonde said repeated disasters force many people to lose their homes, savings, livelihoods and sources of income, with risks becoming particularly severe during the monsoon.
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"We need to identify the key risks during this period and enhance preparedness and resilience in vulnerable areas," she said, adding that IOM would continue supporting the government in strengthening disaster resilience.
She also stressed the need for a sustainable, long-term strategy to address climate-induced displacement, warning that the number of displaced people could increase in the coming years.
As part of its emergency response to recent floods, IOM distributed humanitarian assistance to 1,000 affected families in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
In Banshkhali, 500 families received tarpaulins for temporary shelter and protection of damaged homes and belongings.
Another 500 families in Pekua, Cox's Bazar, received emergency relief packages containing 10kg of rice, 2kg of lentils, 1kg of salt, one litre of soybean oil and a tarpaulin.
The relief operation, conducted in coordination with local authorities, prioritised the worst-affected and most vulnerable households.
Tomm-Bonde said providing food and safe shelter was among the first steps needed to help families recover after floods destroyed homes, assets and livelihoods.
IOM said it is working with the government, local administrations and humanitarian partners during the monsoon to protect vulnerable communities and promote longer-term solutions, including disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure and stronger community preparedness.
