The “Restoration of Essential Service Towards Unmet Measures of Emergency (RESUME)” project was launched as a comprehensive humanitarian response to address the urgent needs of communities affected by severe flash floods in Sunamganj District, Bangladesh. Funded by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and implemented by Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA), the project was carried out in the highly affected Dowarabazar and Chhatak Upazilas.
The flash floods left widespread devastation—damaging homes, livelihoods, and basic infrastructure. In response, the RESUME project provided multi-sectoral emergency support with a strong focus on restoring essential services and building community resilience.
Key components of the project included:
- Multipurpose Cash Support: To meet the immediate needs of affected households, such as food, medicine, clothing, and transportation. This approach enabled families to prioritize spending based on their unique circumstances.
- Shelter Support: Provision of shelter materials and technical guidance to repair or rebuild homes damaged by the floods, ensuring safe and dignified living conditions.
- Sanitation Support: Construction and rehabilitation of flood-resilient latrines and hygiene promotion activities to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promote healthier living environments.
- Cash for Work (CfW): Temporary employment opportunities were created through community-based infrastructure repair and cleaning activities. This not only restored essential public services but also helped inject cash into the local economy.
- Income Generating Activities (IGA) Support: Selected vulnerable families received training and financial support to restart or initiate small-scale livelihoods, such as poultry farming, tailoring, and vegetable cultivation, thereby promoting long-term economic recovery.
The RESUME project prioritized inclusion, community participation, and coordination with local government to ensure that the most vulnerable—particularly women, persons with disabilities, and elderly individuals—were reached effectively.
By integrating emergency relief with early recovery and livelihood restoration, the RESUME project played a vital role in helping flood-affected communities regain stability, restore dignity, and build resilience to future disasters. It stands as a model of effective collaboration between local and international partners committed to humanitarian excellence.