Educo distributes aid among Amphan victims

Global humanitarian organisation Educo recently distributed aid to more than 2,640 families devastated by cyclone Amphan – in Koyra of Khulna and Shyamnagar of Satkhira.

The relief was distributed as part of Educo's Amphan and Covid-19 emergency response project.

According to a press release issued by the organisation, they distributed food aid and hygiene kits to 1,365 families, while also transferring Tk2,440 to 1,250 additional families, each.

Additionally, they have installed water tanks in the houses or yards of 432 families to ease their access to safe drinking water. Further, four tube wells, which were severely damaged during the cyclone, were repaired, read the press release.

Moreover, 2,550 families have received educational materials so that the children of these families can practice their lessons even after having lost their pedagogic materials during the cyclone, the press release added.

Abdul Hamid, country director of Educo, Bangladesh said, "We tried to stand by the people of Koyra and Shyamnagar, who were in dire need of food, safe water and hygiene materials after the cyclone passed in the time of Covid-19. Their livelihood was greatly affected along with the education of their children."

Apart from distributing aid, Educo Bangladesh also oriented the Amhpan victims to keep themselves safe from the spread of the novel coronavirus in such a critical situation. This response activity has been implemented by Educo, Bangladesh's partners Uttaran at Shatkhira and JJS at Khulna.

Shahidul Islam, Uttaran's executive Director, said, "The ongoing Covid-19 is making the situation even more complex as people who have been displaced by Amphan have limited access to any sort of hygiene facilities. Here, the challenge is to support the most vulnerable ones with emergency relief while we also take necessary steps to stop the spread of Covid-19."

People of Khulna and Shatkhira were already combating the novel coronavirus, when tropical cyclone Amphan made landfall in Bangladesh on 21 May, causing huge devastation.

Previously, Educo Bangladesh supported around 100,000 Covid-19-affected people – including around 60,000 children – with cash, food and hygiene kits.