Post flood rehabilitation

In the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2004, the region of Tahirpur Upazila in Sunamgonj faced widespread destruction, leaving communities with damaged homes, lost crops, and shattered livelihoods. The floods not only submerged agricultural land but also compromised the health, safety, and infrastructure of the affected areas. Recognizing the need for urgent intervention, Oxfam-GB launched a post-flood rehabilitation project to support affected communities in their recovery efforts.

Objectives: The primary objective of the post-flood rehabilitation project was to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery solutions to the flood-affected populations. The project aimed to:

1. Restore Livelihoods: Rebuild agricultural systems by providing seed distribution, tools, and agricultural inputs.
2. Infrastructure Repair: Reconstruct homes and essential infrastructure such as latrines, wells, and roads.
3. Health and Sanitation: Improve access to clean water, ensure the provision of sanitation facilities, and prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
4. Psychosocial Support: Offer mental health and counseling services to those affected by trauma and loss due to the floods.
5. Capacity Building: Train local communities in disaster preparedness and risk reduction, empowering them to better cope with future flooding events.

Key Activities:

1. Emergency Relief Distribution:
   Immediately after the floods, the project provided relief materials such as food, water purification tablets, and basic household items to affected families. This helped ensure the survival of the community members who had lost everything.
2. Livelihood Support:
   Oxfam-GB distributed high-quality seeds, tools, and fertilizers to local farmers, encouraging them to restore their agricultural activities. Additionally, support for livestock recovery, including veterinary care and feed, was also provided.
3. Sanitation and Water Supply Rehabilitation:
   To prevent the spread of diseases, the project focused on restoring and repairing damaged water sources, including wells and tube wells. It also facilitated the construction of new latrines and hygiene education programs to promote safe sanitation practices.
4. Housing Reconstruction:
   Families whose homes were damaged or destroyed were assisted with building materials to repair or reconstruct their dwellings. The rehabilitation also included constructing flood-resistant structures to mitigate future risks.
5. Training and Community Engagement:
   Community workshops were organized to build awareness of disaster preparedness, providing locals with the skills and knowledge to safeguard themselves and their families in the event of future floods.

Impact: By the conclusion of the project in May 2005, significant progress had been made in the recovery of Tahirpur Upazila. Farmers were able to resume cultivation, and many homes were restored, improving the living conditions of affected families. The provision of clean water and sanitation facilities greatly reduced the risk of waterborne diseases, and psychosocial support helped community members heal emotionally from their traumatic experiences.

The project also empowered the community by enhancing their capacity to respond to future disasters. Thanks to Oxfam-GB’s intervention, the residents of Tahirpur Upazila were better equipped to face the challenges of post-flood recovery and prepared for future flooding events.