WFP activates early action ahead of Bangladesh flood peak

Under WFP's Anticipatory Action programme, assistance is delivered before a disaster strikes, based on weather forecasts and pre-agreed triggers. As part of this response, WFP transferred BDT 5,000 (USD 40) through mobile financial services to households identified as being at heightened risk of flooding.

At the same time, WFP activated its Shock-Responsive Social Protection mechanism, providing emergency cash top-ups to vulnerable households enrolled in government social protection programmes.

In total, more than 15,600 households in Bandarban Sadar and Lama upazilas received cash assistance, delivered in partnership with WFP cooperating partner Bolipara Nari Kalyan Somity (BNKS).

The activation came as persistent heavy rainfall triggered flooding across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, affecting Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts, with forecasts indicating further rainfall and heightened risks in the days ahead. This Anticipatory Action intervention is supported through a multi-donor trust fund, while the Shock-Responsive Social Protection intervention is funded by the European Union.

"Climate shocks are becoming more frequent and more intense in Bangladesh, making early action more important than ever," said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh. "By delivering assistance before families are hit by the worst impacts of flooding, we help them protect their food security, livelihoods and assets. At the same time, by strengthening and leveraging national social protection systems, we can support vulnerable people at scale when crises strike."

Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Increasingly frequent and severe floods threaten lives, livelihoods and food security, including in flood-prone areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Since 2017, WFP has implemented Anticipatory Action in Bangladesh under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh and with support from partners including the European Union. Evidence from WFP and its partners shows that, globally, every USD 1 invested in anticipatory action can generate up to USD 7 in avoided losses and additional benefits.

WFP also supports the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen social protection systems and make them more responsive to climate-related shocks. Through Shock-Responsive Social Protection, existing government programmes can be rapidly expanded during emergencies to provide timely support before vulnerable households fall deeper into crisis.