Flooding in Bangladesh
ShelterBox is responding after heavy rains and upstream water surges caused major flooding in Bangladesh.
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A man stands in floodwater after Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh. Credit: Uttaran
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In May 2024, Cyclone Remal made landfall in Bangladesh. It brought devastating winds and intense flooding that forced thousands of people from their homes.
ShelterBox has partnered with local aid organisation, Uttaran, to provide shelter to vulnerable families. We focused on families whose homes were completely destroyed. The aid we provided will help them build better-quality shelters than those lost in the cyclone.
To support with rebuilding, we also provided cash assistance. This helps families to transport aid items and hire local tradespeople to build their shelters.
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What happened in Bangladesh?
Cyclone Remal was the most devastating storm to hit Bangladesh for some years. With torrential rains and 120km/h (75mph) winds, it wreaked havoc on low-lying coastal communities.
This was followed by extreme flooding, further affecting millions of people.
People are now trying to return home, but the storm destroyed or severely damaged around 170,000 homes. Flood defences were breached by tidal surges and these defences were so damaged that low-lying communities have little to no defence against future coastal floods.
As well as destroying homes, the Cyclone devastated livestock and livelihoods. Fields were submerged and fishing farms destroyed. And the monsoon season for Bangladesh is still in full swing, bringing the prospect of further flooding.
Learn about cyclonesHow is ShelterBox supporting people?
Our response in Bangladesh is critical. We want to ensure people in these communities can shelter from the elements.
We are working in partnership with a local aid organisation called Uttaran. They have experience working in cyclone-prone areas of southwestern Bangladesh. Together, with local communities, we’ve distributed aid to people who need it most in Paikgacha, Dacope and Saronkhola.
Our focus is on helping people build emergency shelters. Our aid included corrugated iron sheeting, timber, bamboo, rope and fixings. We want to make sure people’s living conditions are better than what they were before the cyclone hit, that’s why we’re focusing on high quality shelter materials.
There was also a small amount of cash distributed, so that people could hire local tradespeople to help them build homes. Aid distributions are now complete. Our partner, Uttaran, is currently delivering training on how the aid items can be used as effectively as possible. Whilst also supporting people rebuilding their shelters. This will help people repair their homes to withstand future extreme weather. The images below were taken during this rebuilding and training process.
We are committed to rebuilding lives and restoring hope after disasters like Cyclone Remal. Please support our work today.
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Karima was one of the refugees from Rohingya we supported in Bangladesh
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Has ShelterBox responded in Bangladesh before?
ShelterBox previously supported people after flooding in Bangladesh in 2017 and 2019. In 2007 we responded to Cyclone Sidr.
We also responded to the Rohingya crisis in 2017 with International Organization for Migration (IOM). Around 688,000 Rohingya refugees fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017 to escape violence and persecution. The people who fled Myanmar were extremely vulnerable, having already experienced severe trauma. We supported over 4,000 families in total.
As extreme weather gets worse, we are changing how we prepare for disasters. In the last 12 months we have been preparing for potential disasters in Bangladesh. This work has given us a good foundation for our latest response.
Explore our response to the recent floods
Rebuilding homes in Bangladesh after the flooding.
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How can I support people in Bangladesh?
You can help us bring hope and relief to those who need it most. Every donation counts—it’s not just about giving; it’s about restoring dignity, safety, and hope to those who have lost everything.
You can also stay informed, and share on social media, to raise awareness about the crisis people are facing in Bangladesh.
Learn about why flooding occurs here.
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