COAST Foundation, in collaboration with Shapla Neer, a Japanese International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), has successfully provided relief assistance to 4,875 flood-affected families in Feni, one of the districts hardest hit by the floods that swept through eastern Bangladesh in August 2024. With financial support from Japanese donor organization Japan Platform, the relief effort totaled Tk 3.58 crore and involved comprehensive food and non-food aid packages.
The relief assistance reached 3,749 families in Mirzanagar and Chitlia Union of Parshuram Upazila, and 1,126 families in Darbarpur Union of Fulgazi Upazila, following a field survey conducted in coordination with local administrations to identify the most vulnerable families, read a press release.
Each food relief package included essentials: 25 kg of rice, 4 kg of pulses, 2 kg of salt, 4 kg of oil, 1 kg of sugar, 4 kg of flour, 3 kg of potatoes, and 10 packets of oral saline. Non-food items provided were 1 mosquito net, 2 hand washes, 3 bath soaps, 2 kg of laundry detergent, 1 water pitcher, 2 food plates, 3 water purification tablets, and 1 towel. Additionally, a total of 9,750 sanitary pads were distributed to 4,875 female students across local schools and colleges.
At the relief distribution event held at Mirzanagar Touhid Academy, key attendees included COAST Foundation Deputy Executive Director Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Shapla Neer Tokyo Representative Hiromi Katsui, Shapla Neer Bangladesh Country Director Tomoko Uchiyama, and other local officials and dignitaries. Uchiyama expressed solidarity with the flood-affected communities, stating, “We commend your resilience in facing the devastating floods. Shapla Neer, with support from Japan Platform and COAST Foundation, stands with you in this difficult time.”
COAST Foundation began relief efforts on the second day of the flood, initially providing cooked meals and essential items independently before receiving additional support from Shapla Neer. The joint initiative reflects a continued commitment to assist communities in need and aid in recovery efforts following the severe impact of the August floods.