UN in Bangladesh launched a humanitarian appeal of $134 million to support disaster-affected communities.

The United Nations and partners have launched a humanitarian appeal for US$134 million to provide urgent relief and support to communities affected by the ongoing and escalating cyclones and monsoonal floods in Bangladesh. The situation is dire and requires immediate attention. 

Since May 2024, Bangladesh has been severely impacted by four unprecedented and devastating climate-related disasters, including Cyclone Remal, flash floods in the Haor Region, riverine floods in the Jamuna Basin, and unprecedented floods in the eastern regions. These events have had a catastrophic impact, affecting a staggering 18.4 million people across 45% of Bangladesh and causing significant damage to livelihoods and infrastructure. 

This Multi-Hazard Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) results from a consultative process led by the Government to respond to the most urgent needs through March 2025. A humanitarian appeal was first launched in June 2024 for Cyclone Remal, and this is the third version of the plan, extended to cover all four emergencies. The HRP aims to reach 2.5 million people across 28 districts of Bangladesh. The HRP has reached 1.8 million people with assistance despite receiving only 28% of the funding. 

The revised plan is a crucial partnership tool for the government, UN, and non-governmental partners to continue coordinating the response. It also offers a common platform to raise much-needed additional funding.  The plan was launched by the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) co-chairs, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Ms Gwyn Lewis, and Secretary, NDC, of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Mr Md. Kamrul Hasan. 

“This is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, with multiple disasters unfolding consecutively over several months,” said Ms Lewis. “The Government and humanitarian community are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to affected communities. We urge our development partners to contribute funds directly to participating organisations involved in the Humanitarian Response Plan and to continue to invest in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to build long-term resilience.” 

“We must sustain our collaborative efforts through the Government, UN, multilateral, and NGO partners present at today’s launch,” said Mr. Hasan. “The scale and frequency of disasters affecting Bangladesh is intensifying, and we must be prepared to adapt and support collective solutions to the climate crisis. We are very proud of our record as a pioneer in anticipatory action. This is one of the tools we must continue to strengthen and work to ‘build back better’ following these disasters.”

The revised HRP addresses the most urgent needs of the affected population, including child protection and education, displacement management, food and nutrition services to maintain dietary needs, primary healthcare services, and water supply and latrine reconstruction. It prioritises the protection of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and older adults. Contributions will also help to protect livelihoods and build resilience in affected communities. 

Bangladesh expects its second cyclone season in October 2024. As communities potentially face more extreme weather before the end of the year, current needs must be addressed to mitigate vulnerabilities. 

Link to Multi-Hazard Humanitarian Response Plan June 2024 to March 2025: tinyurl.com/d28x2796