WFP disburses cash to 20,000 households ahead of flood risk in Sylhet

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has transferred Tk 5,000 each to more than 20,000 households at risk of severe flooding in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts.

Under WFP's Anticipatory Action (AA) programme, the first disbursement took place on April 29, ahead of the peak flooding forecast within 48 hours. The programme releases humanitarian assistance based on weather forecasts and predefined risk triggers, before floodwaters rise, rather than after disasters strike, according to a press release.

The response covers communities in the northeastern haor region of Sylhet Division.

An additional 4,400 households enrolled in government social safety nets are also receiving cash top-ups to meet emergency needs, reflecting WFP's collaboration with the government to make national social protection systems more responsive to climate shocks.

The assistance is funded by the WFP trust fund and the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

"As climate shocks become more frequent and severe, early action is essential," said WFP Acting Country Director Simone Parchment, overseeing the response from Sylhet.

“Through anticipatory action, families can prepare in advance-- whether that means securing food, protecting assets, or moving to safer places. It gives families the time and resources they need to prepare for floods, protect livelihoods, and reduce disaster impacts.”

Bangladesh ranks ninth worldwide for disaster risk in the World Risk Index 2024. WFP has implemented anticipatory action in the country since 2017, with support from the European Union, Germany, Ireland, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

According to WFP research, every $1 invested in anticipatory action can generate up to $7 in avoided losses and additional benefits.

On April 29, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board forecast flooding in Sunamganj, Habiganj, and Sylhet districts within the next 72 hours.

Water levels in four major rivers in Netrokona and Moulvibazar -- Bhogai-Kangsha, Someshwari, and Mogra in Netrokona, and Manu in Moulvibazar -- had crossed danger marks after heavy to very heavy rainfall, flooding low-lying areas in both districts.