WFP responds early to Cox’s Bazar floods, calls for urgent support

As heavy monsoon rains continue to lash southeastern Bangladesh, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has stepped in with swift anticipatory action, reaching flood-affected families in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar within hours of government alerts.

On 29 May, responding to a government request, WFP activated its emergency response in Teknaf using its anticipatory action mechanism. A total of 6,500 vulnerable individuals received BDT 5,000 (approximately US$43) directly through mobile wallets. This early assistance enabled families to buy food, reinforce their homes, and prepare for the impact of rising waters.

"I've never received any money during past floods," said Nurul Begum, a recipient. "This time I'll buy food for my children, fix my house, and save a little in case another flood comes. I thank WFP for the 5,000 taka."

Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh, noted, "Climate shocks hit hardest in already vulnerable communities. Early action gave these families a chance to prepare with resilience and dignity."

To tackle the increasing impact of climate-related disasters, WFP has launched a four-phase emergency response strategy for 2025. This includes: anticipatory assistance before disasters, immediate emergency food support post-impact, financial aid as markets begin reopening, cash-for-work programmes and income-generating activities for long-term recovery.

The plan aims to reach over 6 million people across the country, but a significant funding gap of US$55 million remains—primarily for anticipatory action efforts.

"We're urging development partners to act early, act fast, and act at scale," said Scalpelli. "We cannot afford to wait until floods strike. We must protect lives while there is still time."

WFP's intervention in Teknaf is part of a broader national push to scale up anticipatory action. In 2024, more than 15 frameworks were activated by UN agencies, the Red Cross Red Crescent, and international NGOs such as CARE, Save the Children, and STEP. This year, 46 agencies are expected to implement such frameworks with greater national leadership and broader hazard coverage, including heatwaves, landslides, and droughts.

Meanwhile, in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, flooding and landslides have affected nearly all 33 camps. WFP is providing fortified biscuits and hot meals to displaced families. An additional US$2 million is urgently required to replenish stocks of these emergency rations—critical supplies also used in Bangladesh's school feeding efforts for over two decades.