EC to provide addl Tk 95m aid to help flood-hit people

FE Team | Published: December 08, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

The European Commission (EC) has decided to provide an additional 1.0 million euro, equivalent to over Tk 95 million to bring humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable families affected by the extensive flooding in north-western Bangladesh.
This aid comes in addition to initial funding provided in the immediate aftermath of the floods, bringing the European Union's (EU) total humanitarian assistance to 2.638 million euro, equivalent to over Tk 250 million, according to an official release, reports UNB.
Overall, the European funding will benefit over 215,000 people living in the districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Siraganj and Jamalpur.
"The floods have seriously impacted the food security situation in these districts, as many crops have been destroyed and the next harvest will not take place before several months," said Pierre Mayaudon, the ambassador of the EU in Bangladesh.
He said the situation is such that many people are now deprived of adequate meals. "Our efforts will, therefore, focus on making sure these most vulnerable families are able to better feed themselves, and can start restoring their livelihoods."
The additional EU funds will benefit an extra 14,600 households, providing them with cash grants that will enable them to buy both food and assets for income-generating activities.
Some 2,000 families whose houses have been particularly badly damaged will also receive extra funds for shelter repair and buying of household items.
The provision of cash grants enables families to make their own choices and determine their own priorities.
The funds will be delivered through mobile transfer technology, a very flexible system, which has proved to be highly appreciated by affected community in the past.
The funds will be channeled through the well-established DESHARRI consortium of INGOS, which comprises of Action Contre la Faim (ACF), Christian Aid, Danish Church Aid, Muslim Aid, and Save the Children International.
Both this project and the previous ones implemented in response to the floods in the North-West are funded by the Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department of the European Commission (ECHO).