International: supplies distributed to flood victims

The Salvation Army in Bangladesh is providing vital assistance to people affected by flooding which has caused devastation over a wide area, with the District of Sirajganj being particularly badly hit.

The Army has a long history of such ministry in the country, going back to cyclone relief provided in 1970, when the country was still called East Pakistan. Heavier-than-usual rains at the end of August 2014 resulted in flooding in many areas of Bangladesh.

The situation has caused significant displacement of people in flooded areas. Many have relocated themselves to high ground close to their homes on roadsides and embankments.

People not displaced have also been affected by the water; some continued to reside in homes surrounded by water, cutting them off from facilities, while others have continued to live in houses that were damaged, collapsed and which had been inundated with water. 

An estimated 10,000 people have lost everything. Many people are having to survive with minimum food, and without jobs, shelter or medical facilities.