The monsoon season closes with new floods in the north. As in August, it has been highly conditioned by the impact of climate change. There are remote areas that are impossible to access. Sister Rony Gomes: “inhuman conditions” due to lack of food. There are 1,474 families receiving help from Christian organizations.
Mymensingh () – New floods continue to devastate Bangladesh, and since October 6 they have affected the districts of Mymensingh, Sherpur and Netrokona, in the north of the country. KM Ali Reza, undersecretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, stated that there are about 238,000 victims of the disaster. It is the end of a tragic monsoon season: in August, floods devastated an area inhabited by 5.4 million people, leaving one million families underwater and leaving 52 dead. A few weeks earlier they had called for greater efforts to address the consequences of climate change.
Caritas Bangladesh, the missionaries of the Immaculate Conception (PIME nuns) and the diocese of Mymensingh are working to help the victims. So far, 1,474 families have received aid, which includes dry food, such as rice and lentils, and basic necessities, such as candles and gas lighters. In Dhobaura and Haluaghat sub-districts alone, 460 families were assisted. The Sister Rony Gomes, a missionary of the Immaculate Conception serving in Dhairpara parish, Mymensingh district, told : “We have provided dry food such as broken rice, puffed rice and noodles to 30 families. However, most of our 23 Catholic villages have been affected and some remote areas remain inaccessible.” These days many people endure “inhumane conditions” due to lack of food. The Sister Rony explained that they are raising funds from friends and family to increase aid, because the floods prevent many people from cooking.
The bishop of the diocese of Mymensingh, Msgr. Ponan Paul Kobi, is visiting the affected areas with a Caritas team, encouraging local priests and Catholics who are working to provide support. Caritas in the Mymensing region has been administering emergency humanitarian aid since the flooding began earlier this month. Beyond immediate aid, the long-term impact of the floods cannot yet be assessed. Caritas and other humanitarian organizations continue to work continuously to provide support and monitor the situation.
Many of those affected belong to the Garo Christian community, which lives in the northern region. There are many stories of suffering, such as that of 50-year-old Sudeepa Sangma, whose mud house in Narail village was destroyed. She and her husband are in serious difficulties, since they have not received help from the government or private. Surabhi from Kaichapur is also in the same situation: she lost her house but has not yet received help.
Local officials acknowledge the difficulties in reaching the most remote areas due to communication problems, but assure that relief efforts continue without interruption. In Atbhaipara village, Sherpur district, 50 houses were completely destroyed, forcing many families, including Hamidul Islam’s, to be displaced. After six days, he received only one bag of rice, with which he can barely feed his family. The Catholic Church and humanitarian organizations continue to assist those in need and offer vital aid amid the devastation.
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