A Guide for Distributing Flood Relief in Feni, August 2024

1. Introduction to Feni District

Geography & Administrative Structure

• Feni District is located in southeastern Bangladesh and is divided into six upazilas (sub-districts): Feni Sadar, Daganbhuiyan, Chhagalnaiya, Sonagazi, Parshuram, and Fulgazi.

  • Feni Sadar: The most populous upazila with a population of approximately 634,303 people.

  • Sonagazi: The largest upazila in terms of area, with around 290,664 people.

  • Parshuram: The smallest upazila by area and population.

• Total Population: Approximately 1.65 million.

• Population Density: Feni Sadar has the highest population density, followed by Daganbhuiyan.

2. Current Flood Situation in Feni

Affected Areas

• Severely Affected Upazilas:

  • Feni Sadar (12 unions): Approximately 634,303 people affected.

  • Sonagazi (9 unions): Around 290,664 people affected.

  • Daganbhuiyan (8 unions): About 276,906 people affected.

• Current Status:

  • Waterlogging: The situation in Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, and Daganbhuiyan remains critical with severe waterlogging. Some areas have seen slight improvements, but many unions are still submerged.

  • People Affected: Nearly 800,000 people are trapped in floodwaters, with many areas inaccessible by road.

Major Challenges

• Shortage of Clean Water: Clean drinking water is the most pressing need in many areas.

• Food Supply Issues: Many people lack access to food due to flooded shops and disrupted transport.

• Communication Disruptions: Mobile networks and electricity are down in many areas, hampering coordination efforts.

• Transportation Problems: Roads are flooded, and many vehicles are stuck, leading to traffic jams and delays in aid delivery.

4. Guidelines for Relief Distribution

Identifying Priority Areas

• High-Priority Areas:

  • Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, and Daganbhuiyan: These areas have the highest population densities and the most severe flooding.

• Neglected Areas:

  • Focus on reaching distant and remote unions within these upazilas that are often overlooked.

Essential Supplies

• Clean Drinking Water:

  • Provide bottled water or water purification tablets. The lack of clean water is more critical than food in many areas.

• Food Distribution:

  • Distribute ready-to-eat meals instead of raw ingredients. Many people lack the facilities to cook.

• Medical Supplies:

  • Include basic first aid kits, medicines, and hygiene products (soap, hand sanitizer, sanitary napkins). Ensure that each relief team has a doctor.

• Hygiene & Sanitation:

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

Communication & Coordination

• Communication:

  • Use Banglalink SIM cards for communication, as this network is operational in the affected areas.

• Coordination:

  • Ensure proper coordination between different relief teams. Use radio or satellite communication if mobile networks are down.

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:

  • Make a special effort to reach distant and remote areas, as these regions may be in more dire conditions due to lack of aid.

• 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 flooded 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 clear roles and responsibilities are 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.