Recent floods in Bangladesh, particularly in Feni, Cumilla, and Noakhali, have highlighted the need for immediate assistance. In these critical times, proper coordination and understanding of the local challenges are essential to deliver targeted assistance in flood-stricken regions. This article highlights the critical insights volunteers must possess to manage relief distribution and rescue operations during floods efficiently.

Essential Relief Supplies for Flood-Affected People

Readymade Foods

In flood conditions, where water levels can be chest-high, the immediate priority is saving lives. Cooking facilities may be inaccessible, making cooked or readymade foods crucial. Substitute rice, lentils, oil, and sugar with items like puffed rice, flattened rice, dates, bread, and boiled potatoes. Packaged foods such as biscuits, nuts, oat bars, and cakes can provide long-lasting energy. If feasible, khichuri would be better.

Safe Drinking Water and Water Purification Tablets

Access to clean drinking water is critically limited during floods. Carry bottled water or water-purifying tablets and alum to enable individuals to purify water themselves, particularly benefiting those who are housebound.

Baby Food and Clothing

Children of all ages are at high risk during floods. Provide baby food in addition to general supplies, including powdered milk, rice cereal, semolina, juice, packets of soup, and chips. Additionally, dry clothes and diapers are essential to protect against wet and cold conditions, preventing health complications.

Read more: How to Avoid Electric or Gas-related Accidents during Flood

Medicines and Medical Equipment

Stock essential medicines for waterborne diseases, skin conditions, high blood pressure, cold, fever, cough, and headache. Saline is crucial for treating diarrhea. Equip with first aid supplies, including bandages and antiseptic solutions for wound care.

Repellents for Snakes, Mosquitoes, and Insects

Floods often bring increased risks of snake bites and insect infestations. Marigold flowers, wormwood, garlic, clove oil, and vinegar can be used to deter snakes. Mosquito coils, sprays, skin lotions, and insect-repellent devices should also be included.

Safety instructions for these items must be followed, as sprays can be harmful to newborns and coils may pose fire risks.

Clothing for Wet Conditions

Prolonged exposure to rain and flood waters can lead to discomfort and illness. The supply list includes dry clothes, umbrellas, and raincoats. Life jackets and sanitary pads are necessary for safety and health. Waterproof bags or plastic zippers are essential for protecting documents and electronics.

Read more: How to Stay Safe from Snakes During and After Flood

Cleaning Supplies

To combat diseases caused by polluted water and humidity, the supplies include soap, detergent, dishwashing powder, and disinfectants like Bheem Bar for sanitation.

Battery-Powered Torchlight

Power outages during floods make battery-powered torches essential for safety after dark. Using candles or lamps should be avoided due to the risk of gas leaks, which can lead to fire hazards.

Food for Cattle and Stray Animals

Many flood victims rely on livestock for their livelihood. The food encompasses husks, salt, and hay. Additionally, stray dogs and cats, which face significant hardships during floods, should also be provided with food and care.

Safety Tips for Volunteers Participating in Flood Emergencies

Proper Planning and Preparation

Based on the extent of distribution, accurate planning and preparation for packing relief goods facilitate both accounting and distribution processes. It is crucial to assign specific roles within the group, including responsibilities for relief distribution, rescue operations, communication, and accounting.

Responsibilities may also include finding safe shelters for resettlement and coordinating with group members, the army, and local organizations. Appointing dedicated individuals for each task ensures that resources are efficiently allocated and relief efforts are effectively managed.

Read more: How to Help Flood-affected People in Bangladesh

Utilizing Local Guides

In remote areas with unfamiliar roads, delays in reaching the appropriate locations for assistance can occur. Engaging a local guide at the start of a rescue operation is advisable for both logistical efficiency and volunteer safety. A local guide can prevent navigational errors and ensure that the team does not stray off course.

Forming Teams with Skilled Swimmers

Given the current flood conditions, volunteers must have swimming skills. Otherwise, the incompetence of a few can lead to futile misadventures that throw the entire group into disarray. Those unable to swim can contribute in other ways, such as fundraising, monitoring relief supplies, or accounting for distribution.

Volunteers assisting stranded individuals must be both physically and mentally prepared for extended periods of demanding work.

Avoiding Overcrowding on Boats

To maximize the number of lives saved, it is essential to avoid overcrowding boats or speedboats. An overfilled boat risks capsizing or sinking, and may force some individuals into the water. Proper distribution of relief supplies and adequate space is required to be ensured for the rescued individuals. Excessive crowding can be prevented by controlling the number of people on the boat and keeping a safe distance from those in the shelter.

Read More: Fixing Wet Phones: What to do if your phone falls into the water?

Monitoring Boat Fuel Levels

The journey's distance and fuel requirements must be precisely determined to guarantee adequate fuel for both departure and return. A comprehensive inspection of the boat's technical condition is essential to prevent immobilization during the journey.

Appropriate Clothing and Safety Equipment

Volunteers should wear lightweight clothing and sandals with good grip to facilitate quick movement. Heavy clothing can hinder efficiency. Essential safety equipment includes life jackets, strong ropes, torches, knives, and additional ropes twisted over life jackets for emergency use. A hand mic is also recommended for communication in remote areas.

Prioritizing Children, Women, and the Elderly

In large-scale rescue and relief operations, priority must be given to children, women, the elderly, and the physically challenged. Ensuring that those most in need receive timely assistance is paramount.

Caution Against Snake and Mosquito Infestations

Both flood-affected individuals and volunteers must remain vigilant against snake and mosquito infestations. Teams should carry sticks and thick ropes as precautions, along with separate snake and mosquito repellents for their own use, in addition to those distributed as relief items.

Read more: Ways to Purify Water during Flood, Disaster, Emergency Situations

Being Health Conscious

Volunteers must be diligent about their own health, even when adequately prepared. Floods can lead to unforeseen health complications, where even a minor injury, headache, or cold can escalate. First aid equipment should always be on hand to address any health issues, and volunteers should use umbrellas or polythene to protect themselves from rain.

Ensuring Consistent Communication

Navigating flooded areas can be disorienting, and medical emergencies may arise. To maintain coordination and address any issues promptly, uninterrupted communication is a must. Volunteers should carry chargers and power banks to keep their mobile phones active. If possible, they can collect SIM cards from all operators due to potential network disruptions in flood-prone areas. During rain, electronic devices should be stored in plastic zippers, waterproof folders, or polythene for protection.

Collaborating with the Army

Incidents of robbery during relief distribution and rescue operations have been reported in some areas. For overall security and effectiveness, collaboration with the army is advisable. Their training in adverse conditions and logistical capabilities ensures that relief reaches those in need, especially in situations where access to remote areas is challenging.

Avoiding Photography or Videography

While documenting the proceedings is justifiable, vlogging or capturing images of aid recipients is disrespectful. If photographing is necessary, ensure faces are blurred before sharing on social media. Moreover, vlogging during relief efforts can negatively impact local communities. It is best to limit smartphone use to communication needs only.

Read more: How to be Safe During and After Heavy Rains

Wrapping Up

Addressing these issues is key to the success of volunteering for flood victims. Relief distribution must ensure that everyone, from children to the elderly, has access to food, clothing, medicine, and medical care. Sense of proportion must be maintained throughout the process–from forming volunteer teams to delivering supplies by boat or speedboat. Most importantly, volunteers' responsibilities can be effectively fulfilled through interpersonal communication within teams and collaboration with local communities and the army.

Read more: Flood Control and How to Minimise Losses