The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is mobilising emergency food assistance for nearly 56,000 people in southern Bangladesh, about a week after the area was hit by Cyclone Roanu.

WFP, in partnership with the Mukti Foundation, Muslim Aid and Shushilan, has started providing almost 280 metric tons of emergency food to the worst-affected areas of Kutubdia, Maheshkali and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar, Tazumuddin in Bhola, Kolapara and Dashmina in Patuakhali as well as Patharghata and Taltoli in Barguna.

"Thanks to our long time field presence in these areas, WFP was able to quickly coordinate with the local government and is reaching flood-affected people who otherwise may not have had access to much-needed food," says WFP Representative Christa R?der.

Families will receive a 25kg ration of rice as immediate assistance. Many have lost their homes, businesses, crops and livelihoods, and are now vulnerable to deteriorating food insecurity and worsening poverty.

Southern Bangladesh experienced heavy rainfall, severe flooding and landslides after Cyclone Roanu, the first tropical cyclone of the season, made landfall in May. More than a million people were affected as large areas became inundated, and many still cannot return to their homes.

WFP is now coordinating an assessment of remaining humanitarian needs in Cox’s Bazar district, with a view to helping families recover from this disaster.

Source : WAM