Guide for Distributing Flood Relief in Noakhali

1. Introduction to Noakhali District

Geography & Administrative Structure

• Noakhali District is located in southeastern Bangladesh and is part of the Chittagong Division. It was established as a district in 1821 and officially named Noakhali in 1868. The district's administrative center is Maijdee, within Noakhali Sadar Upazila.

  • Noakhali Sadar: The most populous upazila with a population of approximately 642,471 people.

  • Hatiya: The largest upazila by area, covering 1,507.35 sq. km, with a population of approximately 537,355 people.

  • Subarnachar: Another significant upazila with an area of 575.47 sq. km and a population of 355,902 people.

• Total Population: Approximately 3.63 million.

• Population Density: The district has a population density of 980 people per square kilometer, with Noakhali Sadar being the most densely populated.

2. Current Flood Situation in Noakhali

Affected Areas

• Severely Affected Upazilas:

  • Noakhali Sadar: Approximately 642,471 people affected. Over 26,000 families in 13 unions are waterlogged.

  • Hatiya: Low-lying areas are submerged, with significant damage to crops and potential food crises.

  • Subarnachar: Submerged areas due to water levels rising in nearby rivers.

Current Status:

• Waterlogging: The situation remains critical in Noakhali Sadar, Hatiya, and Subarnachar, with many areas submerged under water, trapping around 20 lakh (2 million) people.

• People Affected: Approximately 20 lakh people are marooned, with many areas facing severe shortages of food and drinking water.

Major Challenges

• Shortage of Clean Water: The need for clean drinking water is urgent, as wells and water sources are contaminated due to flooding.

• Food Supply Issues: The flood has caused significant damage to crops, leading to a potential food crisis in the affected areas.

• Communication Disruptions: Mobile networks and electricity are disrupted, making coordination efforts difficult.

• Transportation Problems: Flooded roads and submerged areas have halted vehicular movement, leading to delays in aid delivery.

3. Demographics of the Affected Population

Population Distribution

• Noakhali Sadar: 642,471 people (high density, most affected).

• Hatiya: 537,355 people (large area, severely affected).

• Subarnachar: 355,902 people (significant flooding, affected).

Age Distribution

• Children Under 10: 22.71% of the population, approximately 823,404 people, are children. Special attention is needed for their nutrition and medical care.

Gender Distribution

• Sex Ratio: 1,094 females per 1,000 males, indicating a higher female population. Ensure that relief efforts are sensitive to the needs of both genders.

Religious Composition

• Muslim: 95.89%

• Hindu: 4.06%

• Others: 0.05%

4. Guidelines for Relief Distribution

Identifying Priority Areas

• High-Priority Areas:

  • Noakhali Sadar, Hatiya, and Subarnachar: These areas have the highest population densities and are severely affected by flooding.

• Neglected Areas:

  • Focus on reaching distant and remote unions within these upazilas that are often overlooked, especially the char areas and low-lying regions.

Essential Supplies

• Clean Drinking Water:

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

• Food Distribution:

  • Distribute ready-to-eat meals, especially in areas where cooking facilities are underwater. Focus on dry food that does not require preparation.

• Medical Supplies:

  • Include basic first aid kits, medicines, and hygiene products (soap, hand sanitizer, sanitary napkins). Given the risk of waterborne diseases, each relief team should have a medical professional.

• Hygiene & Sanitation:

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

Communication & Coordination

• Communication:

  • Use reliable communication methods, such as radio or satellite phones, especially in areas where mobile networks are down.

• Coordination:

  • Ensure proper coordination between different relief teams. Use available communication channels to maintain effective coordination.

Avoidance of Exploitation

• Respect & Dignity:

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

Special Considerations

• Target Distant Areas:

  • Focus on reaching distant and remote areas that are often neglected, such as char areas and villages in low-lying regions.

• 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 and military units to clear roadways and facilitate transport.

Team Management

• Relief Teams:

  • Each team should include a doctor, logistician, and communication expert. Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly assigned.

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.