As floods wreak havoc across Bangladesh, the people of this nation wish to unite against these calamities. With the vision of a new improved country, the general population is more motivated than ever to help their fellow citizens. This passion and unity will be the key to navigating through these trying times.
Here are 5 actions every Bangladeshis can take to help the vulnerable as they face the devastating effects of floods.
1. Donate Funds To The Victims
NGOs are collecting funds to help the affected individuals. Some organizations are also holding open donation events to create a platform for donations. Many more relief funds will form soon.
Several individuals have taken charge. For example, Bkash employees have donated one day’s salary to help the victims. Others started collecting funds through their Bkash and bank accounts. However, it is important to be careful when donating, the collector has to be a trusted or verified entity or person.
These funds will be vital to provide the victims with healthcare and food as well as repairing property damage.
2. Donate Belongings
The flood victims are losing everything due to this devastating calamity. Many of us may not have the financial ability to provide them with money directly. However, we can give them some items around our house that we do not need.
These items include:
- Clothes and shoes we no longer need
- Toys for the children affected by the disaster
- Textbooks and novels for them to read
- Hygiene products for women
- Mosquito nets to protect them from malaria and other insect-bourne diseases
3. Join Volunteering Efforts
Along with funds, the movements to assist the victims require manpower. Citizens can volunteer their time and energy to help the efforts to provide relief. Jaago Foundation’s youth wing, Volunteers For Bangladesh, for instance, will be providing dry food and medical assistance to the victims.
Furthermore, citizens can take individual action as well. Those with professional skills such as doctors, mental health specialists, and construction workers can offer their services for free to those affected. This will help reduce costs for them greatly.
4. Provide Shelter and Emotional Support
Aside from providing services, people can also shelter those who lost their homes due to the floods. There is a very large number of people who need to relocate right now. In Feni alone, thousands were displaced.
Animals also need support during this time, adopt stray cats and dogs if you can. However, ensure that you can take good care of them. They require plenty of space, constant care, and a lot of food, this can turn into quite an investment.
With the forest department already taking initiatives against animal cruelty, we can hope the government takes proactive effort to protect the animals affected by these floods.
You can also talk to victims, checking up on them regularly and letting them know that the nation stands by their side. Hope is a powerful tool to help those who are suffering right now.
5. Raising Awareness
The most effective action and one that anyone can do at this moment is raising their voice. Even if you can’t directly contribute to the cause, you can always talk about the issue on your social media.
In fact, Your social media campaign will help in 4 ways:
- Firstly, those who can help financially or physically will know about this issue thanks to your advocacy.
- Secondly, the people who are affected will get access to information about shelter and food distribution center locations.
- Thirdly, several companies such as mobile operators are running campaigns specifically to help flood victims, you can talk about them.
- Lastly, we attract international attention and may receive help from global NGOs
With thousands suffering, we need to take proactive steps and unite as a community to support the victims. Every contribution counts as we usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for all.
