Guide for Distributing Flood Relief in Comilla, August 2024

1. Introduction to Comilla District

Geography & Administrative Structure

• Comilla District is a major metropolis located on the banks of the Gomti River in eastern Bangladesh. It is part of the Chittagong Division and is historically significant, having been the capital of the ancient Tripura kingdom.

  • Comilla City Corporation: The main urban area, with a population of approximately 1,364,172 people, and covering an area of 53.04 square kilometers.

  • Burichang Upazila: One of the severely affected upazilas by recent floods.

  • Brahmanpara Upazila: Another upazila severely impacted by flooding, especially after the collapse of the Gumti River embankment.

• Total Population: Approximately 1.36 million.

• Population Density: The district has a high population density, with Comilla City Corporation ranking 3rd in Bangladesh in terms of population.

2. Current Flood Situation in Comilla

Affected Areas

• Severely Affected Upazilas:

  • Burichang Upazila: Severely affected after the collapse of the Gumti River embankment, increasing water levels and submerging large areas.

  • Brahmanpara Upazila: Also significantly impacted due to the rise in water levels, causing widespread flooding and severe difficulties in relief distribution.

  • Comilla City Corporation: Urban areas have seen water levels rise, leaving many streets and roads submerged.

Current Status:

• Waterlogging: The situation in Burichang, Brahmanpara, and parts of Comilla City remains critical, with many areas underwater, trapping around 7 lakh people.

• People Affected: Approximately 7 lakh people are stranded due to the floods, with over 50,000 people taking refuge in 724 shelters across the district.

Major Challenges

• Lack of Transportation: The shortage of boats and ferries has severely hampered the delivery of relief supplies to affected areas.

• Shortage of Clean Water: The need for clean drinking water is urgent, as many areas remain inaccessible, and water sources are contaminated.

• Food Supply Issues: The flood has caused severe food shortages, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

• Communication Disruptions: With roads submerged and transportation hindered, coordination for relief efforts is difficult.

3. Demographics of the Affected Population

Population Distribution

• Comilla City Corporation: 1,364,172 people (high density, many areas submerged).

• Burichang Upazila: Significant population affected due to embankment collapse and rising water levels.

• Brahmanpara Upazila: Also severely impacted, with a large number of residents affected by the flood.

Age Distribution

• Children Under 10: A significant portion of the population, who require special attention for nutrition and medical care during the relief efforts.

Gender Distribution

• Sex Ratio: The population is balanced, but relief efforts should ensure that the needs of both genders are adequately addressed.

Religious Composition

• Muslim: 91.12%

• Hindu: 8.58%

• Others: 0.30%

4. Guidelines for Relief Distribution

Identifying Priority Areas

• High-Priority Areas:

  • Burichang and Brahmanpara Upazilas: Severely affected by the flooding, with large populations in need of immediate assistance.

  • Comilla City Corporation: Urban areas with high population density, where relief efforts need to be concentrated due to widespread waterlogging.

• Neglected Areas:

  • Focus on reaching distant and remote areas within these upazilas, especially where transportation is limited.

Essential Supplies

• Clean Drinking Water:

  • Provide bottled water or water purification tablets. The contamination of water sources is a significant issue in flooded areas.

• Food Distribution:

  • Distribute ready-to-eat meals and dry food, especially in areas where cooking facilities are underwater.

• Medical Supplies:

  • Include basic first aid kits, medicines, and hygiene products (soap, hand sanitizer, sanitary napkins). Medical teams should be on standby to address health issues, particularly waterborne diseases.

• Hygiene & Sanitation:

  • Distribute personal hygiene kits containing soap, sanitizer, sanitary napkins, and tissue paper to prevent the spread of diseases.

Communication & Coordination

• Communication:

  • Utilize all available communication channels to coordinate relief efforts, especially in areas where transportation is hindered.

• Coordination:

  • Ensure proper coordination between different relief teams to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.

Avoidance of Exploitation

• Respect & Dignity:

  • Avoid taking photos of recipients during distribution to maintain their dignity. Relief work should focus on service, not publicity.

Special Considerations

• Target Distant Areas:

  • Focus on reaching remote and difficult-to-access areas, where the need for relief is most acute.

• Water Purification:

  • If clean water is scarce, distribute water purification tablets and educate people on their use.

• Post-Relief Actions:

  • Prepare for potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases by distributing hygiene kits and educating the population on preventive measures.

5. Logistics & Coordination

Transport

• High-Water Vehicles:

  • Use boats and other high-water vehicles to access submerged areas.

• Road Transport:

  • Coordinate with local authorities to clear roadways and facilitate transport where possible.

Team Management

• Relief Teams:

  • Each team should include a doctor, logistician, and communication expert. Clear roles and responsibilities should be assigned to ensure efficient operations.

Post-Relief Operations

• Disease Prevention:

  • Distribute hygiene kits and educate the public on preventing waterborne diseases. Ensure that relief efforts continue until the situation stabilizes.