Guide for Distributing Flood Relief in Lakshmipur, August 2024

1. Introduction to Lakshmipur District

Geography & Administrative Structure

• Lakshmipur District is located in southeastern Bangladesh and is bordered by Chandpur, Bhola, Noakhali, and Barisal. The district is divided into five upazilas: Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramganj, Raipur, Ramgati, and Kamalnagar.

  • Lakshmipur Sadar: The most populous upazila with a population of approximately 1,937,948 people.

  • Ramgati: A low-lying upazila, particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its proximity to the Meghna River.

  • Kamalnagar: Another severely affected upazila with significant waterlogging issues.

• Total Population: Approximately 1.94 million.

• Population Density: The district has a population density of 1,300 people per square kilometer, with Lakshmipur Sadar being the most densely populated.

2. Current Flood Situation in Lakshmipur

Affected Areas

• Severely Affected Upazilas:

  • Lakshmipur Sadar: Approximately 1.94 million people affected.

  • Ramgati: Over 300,000 people affected due to continuous waterlogging and flooding from the Bhulua River.

  • Kamalnagar: Significant waterlogging affecting low-lying areas, with around 300,000 people affected.

Current Status:

• Waterlogging: The situation remains critical, especially in Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramgati, and Kamalnagar. Many areas are submerged under 5-6 feet of water, trapping around 700,000 people.

• People Affected: Approximately 700,000 people are trapped in floodwaters, with many areas inaccessible by road.

Major Challenges

• Shortage of Clean Water: Clean drinking water is urgently needed in many areas as wells and water sources are submerged.

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

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

• Transportation Problems: Roads are flooded, and many areas are inaccessible, leading to delays in aid delivery.

3. Demographics of the Affected Population

Population Distribution

• Lakshmipur Sadar: 1.94 million people (high density, most affected).

• Ramgati: 300,000 people (low-lying, severely affected).

• Kamalnagar: 300,000 people (severely affected).

Age Distribution

• Children Under 10: 22.26% of the population are children, approximately 431,467 people. Focus on providing nutrition and medical care for this vulnerable group.

Gender Distribution

• Sex Ratio: 1,122 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: 96.79%

• Hindu: 3.19%

• Others: 0.02%

4. Guidelines for Relief Distribution

Identifying Priority Areas

• High-Priority Areas:

  • Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramgati, and Kamalnagar: 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 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 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.