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.

As severe floods devastate 11 districts of the country, citizens and volunteer groups have rallied alongside the government to provide much-needed relief to those affected. From Dhaka to remote regions, people are coming together in a show of unprecedented solidarity, delivering essential supplies and rescuing stranded victims. Across the country, individuals and non-governmental organizations are filling covered vans, trucks, and pick-ups with dry food, essential medicines, safe drinking water, and staples like rice and lentils. Cash donations are also being handed directly to flood victims. In addition to these efforts, volunteers from various parts of the country are bringing boats and speedboats by truck to flood-hit areas to assist in rescue operations. Many have remarked that such unity in the face of disaster is unlike anything they have seen before. Meanwhile, numerous government and private institutions have also joined the cause, with employees donating a day's salary to support flood victims. ‘Gonotran’: Mass Relief Collection at Dhaka University’s TSC At Dhaka University's Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), people from all walks of life have been pouring in with donations since last Thursday. The “Gonotran” (Mass Relief Collection) initiative, called by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has garnered overwhelming support.  Thousands of people have participated, contributing cash and relief supplies to the effort. On the first day alone, significant amounts of food, clothing, sanitary napkins, and several lakhs of taka were collected. By Friday afternoon, the influx of donations had only increased, with trucks, pick-ups, vans, rickshaws, and private cars arriving at TSC filled with relief materials for the flood-affected. Read more: New areas flooded in Cumilla : 7 lakh people still trapped Even children are contributing their savings to the cause. With the TSC cafeteria and game room filled to capacity with supplies, additional storage has been arranged in the central auditorium and TSC’s hallways. A queue of vehicles bringing donations has formed in the TSC area, while over 300 school and college students are volunteering to package the relief items. Abdul Munim, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s medical team, expressed his amazement at the public's response. "We have never seen such a united effort from the general public before. It feels like a new movement to build a stronger Bangladesh has begun. This is our first test, and we are confident that together, we will pass it," he said. Fundraising Efforts Spread Across Dhaka’s Streets In addition to the major initiatives, students are collecting donations at several locations in Dhaka. Youth groups in neighborhoods are also gathering funds and supplies for the flood victims. Military and Emergency Services Mobilize for Flood Relief The police, army, navy, air force, coast guard, and fire service are actively working in flood-affected areas to assist residents. They are distributing dry and cooked food, while also conducting rescue operations using helicopters in the most severely impacted regions. One Day’s Salary Donated to Flood Victims Members of the Bangladesh Army have donated the equivalent of one day's salary to the Chief Adviser’s Relief Fund, while employees of various government and private organizations have done the same through platforms like Nagad and bKash. Additional relief funds have been established by several autonomous institutions. Read more: Prices of dry food, candle, drinking water shot up in flood-hit areas Mobile Operators Provide Free Minutes and Internet for Flood Victims In a bid to support those affected by the flood, the country's major mobile operators, including Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, Airtel, and the state-owned Teletalk, have announced free talk time and internet packages. Imams Urge Support for Flood Victims During Friday’s Jummah Prayers During Friday’s Jummah prayers, Imams across the country, including in the capital, spoke about the sufferings of flood victims and urged people to offer assistance according to their means. They also led prayers for the victims and many mosques have started collecting donations for flood relief. Free Rebooking for Missed Flights Due to Floods In light of the ongoing floods, passengers who miss flights due to travel difficulties are being allowed to rebook their tickets for free. This directive has been issued to 33 airlines operating from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Group Captain Md. Kamrul Islam, the airport’s Executive Director, has requested airlines to cooperate with passengers facing such challenges. As the nation grapples with one of its most severe flood crises in recent memory, the unity and determination of its people offer hope for recovery and resilience. Read more: Deadly flood claims 18 lives, affects over 48 lakh people across 11 districts: Govt

Six of the seven upazilas in Moulvibazar have been inundated due to the incessant rains and onrush of water from upstream, leaving nearly two lakh people stranded. All the rivers in the district have been flowing above the danger level, flooding 432 villages of 37 unions of Moulvibazar Sadar, Rajnagar, Kulaura, Juri, Baralekha and Srimangal upazilas of the district. Most of the rural roads in the flood-affected areas are submerged and many parts of regional roads also went under water.  Read more: HSC exams in Sylhet’s flood-hit areas to be held later: Education Minister Houses and educational institutions are also flooded. Many were seen throwing sandbags on the embankment voluntarily to protect their homes. Moulvibazar Water Development Board reported that the water of Manu river was 21 cm above the danger level in Chandnighat area of the city, Kushiara river was 18 cm above the danger level at Sherpur point, Dhalai river was 5 cm above the danger level and Juri river was 202 cm above the danger level.