Hundreds of families have been affected by flash floods triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in Hnila and Whykong unions of Teknaf, leaving homes inundated, roads damaged, and tube wells submerged. With access to safe drinking water becoming increasingly scarce, local youth-led organizations have launched an emergency response to support the hardest-hit communities.
SHAY (Support for Humanitarian Aid Youth Society), JYDA Bangladesh (Youth Action for Justice and Development), and Youth Peacebuilders, with support from ActionAid Bangladesh, are working alongside local authorities, elected representatives, community leaders, and humanitarian actors to deliver rapid assistance where it is needed most.
Since the onset of the flooding, youth volunteers have helped families move to safer locations, distributed limited emergency food and drinking water, raised awareness of landslide risks, and carried out rapid needs assessments to inform the response.
Many families remain in their flooded homes with little access to clean water, food, and basic services. Women, children, older persons, and other vulnerable groups are facing the greatest humanitarian risks.
Alam Muhammed Rasel, representative of SHAY, said: “As we visited flood-affected communities, people gathered around us and showed us their homes under water. The message was the same everywhere. ‘Our tube wells are submerged. Please give us safe drinking water so we can survive.’ Seeing these conditions has strengthened our determination to work closely with local authorities, communities, and humanitarian partners to ensure urgent assistance reaches those who need it most.”
The first phase of the youth-led response will provide emergency assistance to 380 of the most affected families, reaching approximately 1,900 people with dry food, safe drinking water, tarpaulins, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), and dignity kits for women and adolescent girls. Youth volunteers will continue to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate with local authorities to ensure assistance remains responsive to emerging needs.
Shahrukh Karim, Founder of JYDA Bangladesh, said: “Young people play a critical role in ensuring timely, coordinated, and people-centred humanitarian response during emergencies. Beyond delivering relief, we are committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of affected communities. By working closely with local authorities, communities, and our partners, we aim to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable families without delay.”
As heavy rains continue, the organizations warn that humanitarian needs are likely to increase. They have called on government institutions, humanitarian agencies, donors, and development partners to strengthen coordinated support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches flood-affected families without delay.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
