Secondary Data Review: Bangladesh July-August 2011 Date of publication: 05.09.2011 Prepared by: ACAPS, Geneva Nature of the crisis: Water logging in Southern Bangladesh This document focuses specifically on the impact of the water logging in Khulna, Satkhira and Jessore Districts

About this document: This Secondary Data Review is a desk study in which estimates of scale, severity and likely impact of a natural or man-induced disaster are determined. The document aims to inform decision making for preparedness and emergency response. Information has been gathered through a review of secondary data, contact with individuals working in the field, use of lessons learned and experience from past similar crises or disasters. The SDR is intended to complement assessment-related information that the Government and other agencies are producing and feedback is welcome on how this

document can be improved (Operations@acaps.org). ECB and ACAPS thank agencies and NGOs who have shared the data and analysis which made this report possible. Disclaimer: Information provided is provisional as it has not all been independently verified. As this report covers highly dynamic subject, the accuracy of the information may decrease with time.

Disaster Overview Heavier than usual rains during the end of July and early August 2011 resulted in flooding in many areas of Bangladesh. In the south western districts of Satkhira, Jessore and Khulna, the flood waters have not significantly receded with some unions remaining inundated with water. This situation is being referred to as prolonged water-logging (WFP, FAO, Shushilan, 08.2011).

The floods and prolonged water logging have caused significant displacement presenting humanitarian challenges in safe water supply, sanitation, shelter and food security. There has been disruption to livelihoods, and serious damage to agricultural crops. Many schools in the affected areas are either damaged or being used as collective centres. The Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) estimated over 800,000 people affected in Shatkira alone as of 25.08.2011.

The water logging is the result of the combination of factors that include: excessive monsoon rains; inadequate drainage; mismanagement and a lack of maintenance of embankments; increased sediment and siltation of rivers; restricted river flows due to embankments built for shrimp farming; and the release of water from barrages in India especially Farakkah Barrage and Durgapur / Damodar Barrage (Oxfam Public Health Assessment, 08.2011).

The obstruction of run-off from the two major rivers, the Satkhira Kapotakho and the Betrabati by shrimp farming, irrigation dams / barrages and raised river beds (WFP, FAO, Shushilan Aug 2011) suggests that even if the flood waters slowly recede and there is no further significant rainfall, the inundation could continue until November 2011.

The major impact of this disaster is the internal displacement of people from the water logged areas. In the worst affected upazilas of Satkhira, around 90 % of the affected population were temporarily forced to leave their homes because their homes were inundated by 3 to 4 feet of water. The majority of the displaced population took shelter either in community buildings (schools, colleges or cyclone shelters) or on road sides, embankments and other places of high ground where many of them remain (WFP, FAO, 08.2011).

Forecast Although there has been an improvement in the flood situation in recent days across Bangladesh (FFWC), the risk of flooding continues till the end of the Monsoon in mid-October. The threat of cyclones from September until the end of November increases the risks of flooding in the coastal regions.

The situation is compounded by food security risks during the Monga (lean season) from September through to the end of November especially for those families that may have lost their food stocks and homestead gardens as a result of the floods.

The water logging is linked with the water levels in West Bengal, India. If the flooding continues in India, the potential release of water from several barrages will cause water levels in the southwest rivers of Bangladesh to rise, leading to a worsening of the water-logging (Initial Assessment 08.2011, Oxfam Public health Assessment).

Assessment reports suggest that people continue to arrive in shelters rather than returning home (Oxfam Public Health Assessment). It is anticipated that it will take 3 to 4 months for the water to recede enough for many of the displaced households to return to their homes even without any further intensification of weather related factors or the release of water from barrages in India. This means that a large number of IDPs could remain in temporary shelter during winter (IFRC 28.8.2011).

Content list Summary Sector updates Disaster Overview Current situation and forecast Key priorities Operational constraints Affected population Lessons Learned Information gaps and needs Recent and on-going assessments Recommendations for further assessments Situation map

Livelihood / Food Security Health & nutrition WASH Protection Shelter & NFI Education

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Key priorities Most affected areas Initial assessments indicate that within the 3 districts, the district of Satkhira is the most affected and within Satkhira the Upazila of Tala is the worst affected. A joint report from several INGOs (Initial Joint Report, 08.2011 reported the most affected upazilas by population to be:

# Upazila District Affected Population

1 Tala Satkhira 165,805

2 Satkhira Sadar Satkhira 160,500

3 Satkhira Paurashava Satkhira 97,000

4 Paikgacha Khulna 96,011

5 Keshabpur Jessore 63,388

6 Debhata Satkhira 58,500

7 Monirampur Jessore 49,752

8 Kaligonj Satkhira 32,400

9 Kalaroa Satkhira 32,320

Most affected groups Initial reports indicate the affected population have responded to the crisis by:

Taking shelter in schools, colleges and other public buildings.

Moving to makeshift shelters on higher ground near to their homes.

Continuing to live in the water-logged or marooned houses.

Taking shelter in houses of relatives or neighbours which are not affected.

Temporarily migrating to other upazilas or districts (IFRC 28.08.2011).

Of these groups, those in most need of immediate assistance are those displaced to roadsides, embankments and other high ground, those in communal shelters and those staying in water-logged houses. Reports from focus group discussions indicate that the extreme poor constitute a large proportion of the displaced population especially those residing on the roadsides and embankments. (WFP, FAO, 08.2011).

Priority Interventions

Clean water supply

Safe sanitation

Short term food rations

Longer term food security

Temporary and transitional shelter

Nutrition support for children under 5 and Pregnant and Lactating Women

Rehabilitation of schools for resumption of education

Operational Constraints Infrastructure: An estimated 2,776 km of roads have been damaged in Satkhira,

Jessore and Khulna. In some areas, highways are closed with an estimated 90% of rural connecting roads under water (Inter Agency Assessment 18.08.2011).

Targeting: It is difficult to track the needs of those dispersed in schools / cyclone shelters / public buildings and gauge numbers of those spontaneously displaced.

Coordination: The absence of a clearly defined and active coordination structure has resulted in a response that is prone to ad-hocism, overlaps and gaps (Oxfam, WFP, FAO, 27.08.2011).

Access: Damage to highways and connector roads in the affected areas means that transportation in many places needs to be undertaken by boat, which are in limited supply. This means that it is difficult to reach those trapped on embankments or stranded in their houses (Initial Joint Report, 08.2011).

Affected population Estimates of the population affected across the 3 districts are difficult as (at the time of writing) the government figures have not yet been consolidated. An ECHO sit rep of 14.08 estimated that 945,000 people were affected throughout the country with 200,000 people (40,000 families) displaced. General estimates put the number of affected at around 1 million people, however the DMB figure for Satkhira of over 800,000 (DMB, 25.08.2011) suggests that the total government estimate for all three districts will exceed 1 million.

District Affected Upazilas

Households affected (DRRO)

Households in shelters

(DRRO)

Population affected (DRRO)

Population affected

(IJA)

Total Population (Census)

% affected (DRRO)

Satkhira

Tala 50,089 10,012 225,400 165,805 294,400 76.6

Sadar 49,022 3,906 220,600 160,500 410,355 53.8

Paurashava 24,444 2,828 110,000 97,000

Debhata 16,111 4,322 72,500 58,500 118,944 61

Ashasuni 13,967 1,630 62,850 ? 249,244 25.2

Kalaroa 9,061 156 40,774 32,320 221,596 18.4

Kaligonj ? ? ? 32,400

Total 162,694 22,854 732,124 546,525 1,294,539

DRRO Satkhira, DC Office, Loss and Relief Information Report (22.08.2011)

District Total #

Upazilas

Households affected (IFRC)

Population

affected (DMB)

Population affected

(IJA)

Total Population (Census)

Satkhira 7 166,996 826,124 546,525 1,973,000

Jessore 8 23,091 113,140 2,742,000

Khulna 9 19,594 96,011 2,294,000

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Lessons learned from past crises Access can remain challenging after flood water recedes, due to damaged

infrastructure (UN, 2001).

Water-logging / inundation can last for a prolonged period resulting in extended displacement as occurred after cyclone Aila in 2009.

People chose to remain as close to their land / home as possible even if this means remaining in difficult conditions.

The loss of income opportunities and the time that it takes for these sectors (e.g. shrimp farming, agriculture) to resume has a direct effect on household recovery (Aila Recovery Needs Assessment, 03.2011).

Without food security assistance, households which have lost income / employment will resort to detrimental coping strategies such as reducing meals and selling livestock assets (Aila Recovery Needs Assessment, 03.2011).

Shelter materials that have an immediate use for temporary shelter as well as a transitional use in repairing damaged houses are more useful.

Past responses to disasters have highlighted variation between the different approaches to shelter recovery. Effort should be made to adopt a uniform shelter strategy which should include minimum standards of materials distributed.

Gender elements need to be carefully considered to avoid un-intended negative consequences (Oxfam, Gender Perspective for South Asia Shelter Review).

Community participation should be encouraged in all stages of response.

Agencies should actively engage with Union Parashads on the response.

Coordination and inter-sector linkages need to be addressed as early as possible (UN Flood and Lessons Learned Workshop, 2008).

Information gaps and needs Most of the information available presently focuses on Satkhira and Jessore. Very

little information is available on Khulna district.

Gaps and inconsistencies between agencies have been noted when reporting on affected population figures and assessment methodologies.

Satellite imagery of the extent of the water logging, if available, could assist in estimating the scope of the geographical areas affected.

There is no concise and regularly updated data on how many collective shelters (school, cyclone shelter, community building) are being used; the number of people living in these collective shelters and those living in spontaneous settlements.

Information from the GoB D-Forms (collating information on the magnitude of the disaster) was not available from all affected unions. Collecting this information should be a priority to understand the magnitude of the needs (Oxfam, 21.08.11).

Many assessment reports do not give baseline population figures, making it difficult to get an overview of the proportion of the population affected by the situation and in need of humanitarian assistance (Oxfam, 21.08.11).

More information is needed on the existing coping strategies of the population in the affected areas and how these can be supported.

Recent and on-going assessments Initial rapid assessments carried out by INGOs / NGO’s have presented varying

pictures of the present situation in terms of quantitative information. Differing methodologies and geographic scope of these various assessments have made it challenging to achieve a consolidated overview of situation in terms of humanitarian needs.

Agencies which have attempted such an overview have noted the need for a more coordinated and joined-up approach to assessments in the future (Oxfam 21.08.2011).

A WASH cluster assessment covering Satkhira District was released on 28 August.

A Rapid Food Security Assessment of Satkhira district by WFP, FAO and Shushilan was released on 31 August.

In response to challenges with coming up with a shared overview of the situation a joint multi-sector assessment is planned to begin 7

th September. This assessment

has the involvement of 16 INGOs and the support of WFP and CDMP.

Recommendations for further assessments Utilising a web platform for sharing assessment reports and sit-reps would improve

communication and access to information.

When possible, assessments should disaggregate information in order to identify vulnerable boys and girls, men and women.

Future assessments should aim to provide a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities of the affected populations; e.g. the different needs and priorities based on present living arrangements.

The assessment mission undertaken by WFP, FAO and NGO partner Shushilan recommends that a more comprehensive Food Security assessment be undertaken in November 2011 to make a determination of the needs of early recovery to support restoration of livelihoods leading into 2012 (WFP, FAO, 08.2011).

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Situation Map (population figures extrapolated from 2001 GoB Census)

Bangladesh: Flood / Waterlogging Affected Unions, August 2011

Location

Jessore, Khulna, and Satkhira Districts

District Upazila Union Population

2011 District Upazila Union

Population 2011

Satkhira Tala Tala 35302

Assasuni Kadakati 14277 Tentulia 26165

Kulla 24468 Islamkati 21858

Durgapur 18647 Magura 22776

Baradal 30093 Jalalpur 25152

Ashashuni 25104 Kheshra 28619

Debhata Noapara 29177 Khaliskhali 29321

Parulia 32222 Kumira 26105

Kulia 32222 Sarulia 39705

Kaligonj Champapul 16953 Dhandia 23340

Nalta 36246 Nagarghata 19823

Rantanpur 23264 Khalilnagar 30919

Krishanagar 27423 Satkhira Sadar Jhaodanga 34561

Shyamnagar Bhurulia 19516

Balli 17503

Khulna Paikgacha Rarulia 31323 Labsha 32248

Horidhali 25048 Dhulihar 23494

Lasker 22683

Brohmorajpur 21748

Jessore Keshobpur Biddanandakati 33509 Fingri 32931

Sagordari 31584 Satkhira Paurashava Ward 1 10904

Sufalakati 17816 Ward 8 10037

Mojidpur 25027 Ward 9 14034

Tremohoni 33968 Kalaroa Joynagar 14965

Manirampur Morsimnagar 32658 Deyara 21437

Durbadanga 25319 Jalalabad 18864

Monohorpur 12753 Kalia 21871

Jhikorgacha Sankerpur 24565 Jugikhali 16393

Bankra 23253

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – Livelihoods and Food Security Key characteristics Food insecurity is affected by the high exposure to

climatic shocks at certain times of year and the cycle of food production and consequent seasonal variation in food availability and prices. Two lean seasons occur in Bangladesh each year: in March-April and October-November. The second lean period is particularly severe for the rural landless, because it coincides with the pre-harvest period of low employment opportunities in agriculture (WFP, 2006).

In Bangladesh, the market is by far the most important source and determinant of access to food (WFP 2009).

Rice is the staple food, contributing to over 63 % of the caloric intake for urban consumers. Food expenditures accounted for nearly 54% of total consumption expenditures, a share which approaches 60% in rural areas (WFP 2005).

Women, children, the elderly and the disabled often suffer from inequalities in food distribution within a household: often eating last and least (WFP 2005).

The most common strategies adopted by households to meet their food needs are; borrowing money from banks, friends or relatives, reducing expenditures on health care and seeking alternative or additional jobs (WFP 2009).

The southwest region of Bangladesh is a food deficit area where net food production and diversity of food production have declined significantly over recent decades. Increasing shrimp production has reduced the diversity and quantity of food production pushing vulnerable people further to the verge of extreme suffering and abject poverty (Pravda, 2011).

Disaster impact

In Satkhira, Khulna and Jessore an initial

assessment has indicated that around 75% of the

people do not have access to three meals per day. Food supply in terms of quality, quantity, and diversity is less than the demand. (Inter Agency Assessment 18.08.2011).

In Satkhira the consumption of main meals is now 1-2 meals per day, down from an average of 2-3 meals before the flood. The adult members of the family often consume 1 meal to let the children and the elderly eat 2 times a day (WFP 28.07.2011).

Unemployment is the most obvious cause of the food insecurity (Inter Agency Assessment 18.08.2011).

Food storage facilities were damaged or destroyed by the floods (Inter Agency Assessment 18.08.2011).

In Satkhira, Khulna and Jessore market prices for food increased by 10-15% (IFRC 26.08.2011). In Satkhira, the highest price increase is observed for lentil per day (WFP 27.08.2011). The reasons for the increase of prices in Jessore and Satkhira are: the heavy rain, border water pressure, damages of crop, disrupted local communication systems, rising transportation and fuel costs, less import from other areas, and geographic allocation (Inter Agency Assessment 18.08.2011). Ramadan also increases the prices of food (Caritas 18.08.2011).

The majority of the local food markets in Satkhira are fully or partly operational. Some of their shops were inundated and they lost food stock due to this flood. Disrupted road communication hampers the supply of goods (WFP, FAO 08.2011).

Pregnant and lactating mothers along with their children are at risk of severe malnutrition in the near future, as they are consuming less food than normal. (Inter Agency Assessment 21.08.2011).

People in collective centres in the affected areas do not have access to sufficient food rations (ECHO 14.08.2011, IFRC 26.08.2011).

In Satkhira and Jessore, there are reports of food shortages especially for people living on roadsides and embankments; those marooned in their own houses also lack access to staple food. (IFRC 26.08.2011, Shushilan 16.08.2011, WFP 19.08.2011)

Current coping strategies are: reducing both quantity and

quality of meals, eating less preferred food (especially the road side vegetables), adult members of the family restricting food consumption in order to feed the children, sending children to neighbours and the homes of relatives to eat (WFP, FAO 08.2011).

In Satkhira District, 203,000 people in Tala Upazila are in need of food, of which 44.000 need external assistance. In Satkhira Sadar Upazila, 200,000 people are in need of food of which 150,000 need external assistance (Government assessment 15.08.2011).

There is limited information available on the food security situation in Khulna and Jessore.

Due to the loss of seeds for the winter months, there is

concern that major food shortages will last well into 2012.

(Christian Aid 24.08.2011)

Key priorities

Most affected groups

Displaced in informal shelters

Displaced in official shelters

Women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities

Interventions needed

Immediate food assistance

Cash transfers, including cash for work

Rehabilitation of storage capacities

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – Livelihoods and Agriculture

Key characteristics

Poverty profile

Poverty in Bangladesh is concentrated in three geographic areas – one of these areas is the southern coastal zone which is affected by soil salinity (IFAD, 2011).Determinants of poverty include: o Land Ownership: The chronically poor do not own

cultivable land and depend on volatile daily wage incomes (JBIC 2007, IFAD, 2011).

o Literacy: Poverty rates are higher if the household heads are illiterate in both rural and urban areas (JBIC 2007).

o Women Headed Households: have low earnings; women’s wages are about half of those of men and women’s employment is often temporary (JBIC 2007).

Incidence of Poverty (WFP Poverty Mapping 2005):

The prevalence of extreme poverty is 47% in district Satkhira. The extreme poverty rates vary from 33% (in Kalaroa, Tala upazilas) to 64%.

In Khulna, extreme poverty rates vary from 21% to 64%.

Extreme poverty rates in district Jessore vary from 37% in Keshabpur Upazila to 52% of the population in Jhikorgacha Upazila.

Livelihoods

In the Southwest, agriculture and shrimp farming are the major forms of employment. Around 85% of people in the region are employed in agriculture and landless farmers make up almost 66% of the population (Pravda, 2011). Other common livelihoods are salt extraction, fishing, and extracting forest resources (JBIC 2007).

The Southwest lags behind other parts of the country mainly because of lack of irrigation facilities, limited spread of modern agricultural technologies, infrastructure, under performance of the agricultural sector, vulnerability to natural disasters, shocks emanating from soaring food prices (EuropAid) and saline intrusion affecting agriculture (Hydroweb, 2006).

The predominant rice crops in Satkhira are the rain fed Aman (60%) followed by the winter rice Boro (35%) and Aus (5%) (WFP, FAO 08.2011).

Disaster impact

The consequences of the floods and water-logging on livelihood and agriculture are:

Crops and vegetable beds damaged or destroyed

Fish ponds and gear inundated and washed away

Shrimp farms washed away

Livestock and poultry lost

Embankments eroded

Harvest damaged or destroyed

Seedbeds damaged

Tree and saplings damaged or destroyed

Standing crops in these areas have completely been destroyed. The people were about to harvest the Aman crops. In some areas people were waiting to harvest the Aus rice but these crops are now under water.

Planting of the winter Boro crop in January / February next year may not be possible in many waterlogged areas due to the extremely slow drainage of flood water. The damage of major crops in the current season is predicted to lead to a long agricultural lean season from September 2011 until April / May 2012 (WFP/FAO, 08.2011 Inter-Agency Assessment 18.08.2011).

In addition to the impact on agriculture, the rains have seriously constrained livelihood activities for daily wage earners and labours. (IFRC 26.08.2011).

In Satkhira and Jessore poor farmers / share croppers have lost their investment as over 66,000 acres of standing crops have been either partially or fully damaged by the floods (IFRC 26.08.2011).

Satkhira, Tala, Kalaroa and Satkhira Sadar are heavily affected with 25,440 acres of crops fully destroyed and 18,205 acres are partially damaged (GoB, 24.08.2011).

In addition to the impact of the present floods, people in Satkhira are only just recovering from Cyclone Aila, which destroyed more than 129,500 hectares of farmland and some 600,000 houses in 2009 (IRIN, 22.08.2011).

Coping strategies in Satkhira are: selling of advanced labour, borrowing money, selling of assets like livestock, poultry, trees, household utensils, sending children to do low paid work in the shops and as assistance to the rickshaw van pullers, begging, migration to other areas (WFP, FAO 08.2011).

In Satkhira, marginal farmers and agricultural day labourers are the worst affected in terms of livelihood and asset loss followed by fish and shrimp farmers and labourers working in shrimp farms (WFP, 27.08.2011).

The displaced populations do not have any regular income and are relying heavily on income derived from the sale of assets.

The alternative employment opportunities available in the area are predominantly pulling rickshaw vans and some ad hoc labour intensive activities. The surplus supply in the labour market has already brought down the wage rates substantially (WFP, FAO 08.2011).

The low land areas of Keshobpur, Monirampur, Avoynagar and Jhikorgacha in Jessore are water-logged (GoB, 21.08.2011) and 5330 hectares crops partially damaged (GoB 24.08.2011).

Khulna is one of the main vegetable growing regions of Bangladesh and seeds stored in nurseries in there have been destroyed; thereby affecting the availability of vegetables throughout Bangladesh (Christian Aid 24.08.2011).

Key priorities – Livelihoods and Agriculture Most affected groups

Displaced households, marginal farmers, agricultural day labourers, those working in the shrimp industry.

Interventions needed

Livelihood support trough cash grants, tools distribution.

Support for domestic animals (emergency cattle shelter, fodder and vaccination).

Income and employment generation through Cash for Work or Food for Work.

Provide agriculture inputs and technical supports for both winter vegetable & Boro rice cultivation.

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Estimates of damages per Upazila from mid-July to mid-August 2011

Districts Satkhira Khulna Jessore Total

Upazila

Tala

Sadar

Kolaroa

Debhata

Ashasuni

Kaligonj

Paurashava

Paikgacha

Keshabpur

Monirampur

Crop damaged (ha)

(ha)

5990

395

1100

195

0

203

1600

11741

6198

4257 31679

Affected livestock

35423

5

20819

21500

14359

12685

8325

29835

313366

19829

14640 809593

IFRC 26.08.2011 (from Sitrep of MoFDM (Ministry of Food and Disaster Management), and assessment of BDRCS and other agencies)

WFP Seasonal and Hazard Calendar 2011 for Bangladesh

BANGLADESH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

rainy season cold wave

heat wave

monsoon season cold wave

flood / flash flood risk

tropical storm season

drought events

rice, wheat, potato

Boro rice

Aus rice Aman rice wheat, Boro rice, potato

Boro rice, wheat, potato

Aus rice

Aman rice

rats (locust, etc)

2008

lean season

Monga

Monga

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – Health & Nutrition Key characteristics Health Service coverage in the Khulna division: HepB3 coverage MCV1 coverage DTP3 coverage

Measles coverage among children in Bangladesh is 83%

(DHS 2007) (WHO 2007).

Morbidity / Mortality rate:

In the Khulna division the mortality rate of children under five years has decreased from 112 per 1000 in 1993 to 78 per 1000 in 2003. The infant mortality in this division is 66 per 1000 (UNDP MDG 2009-2015).

The major causes of deaths among Bangladeshi children under five were possible serious infections including ARI and diarrhea (32%), ARI (21%), birth asphysia (12%), diarrhea (7%) and prematurity / Low Birth Weight (7%) (UNDP MDG 2009-2015).

Maternity mortality rate in Khulna was 112 per 1000, which is less than in all other Bangladesh divisions (DGHS 2009).

Chronic diseases

There is a salinity problem near the coast and the introduction of shrimp farming has worsened the situation contaminating the ground water. (Wateraid 2007).

Anemia is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. As well as reducing the survival of mothers and children, anemia lowers immunity; reduces growth, learning ability, work capacity and productivity; and contributes to low birth weight.

Injuries Deaths due to injuries, especially drowning have

increased from 9% in 1983 to 53% in 2000 among the children aged 1-4 (UNICEF).

Nutrition

In 2007, 41% of children are underweight and 12% were severely underweight (DHS 2007).

In 2009, the prevalence of GAM was 13.5% and the rate of SAM is 3.4% throughout Bangladesh. The chronic and underweight malnutrition rates were 49% and 37% respectively. Rural areas held statistically significant higher rates of acute, chronic and underweight malnutrition as compared to urban areas (WFP 2009).

Disaster impact All affected areas:

Although no water borne epidemics have been reported, the risks are high if the water and sanitation problems are not addressed. People are already suffering from skin diseases due to the prolonged exposure to saline water (ECHO 21.08.2011).

Satkhira: Skin diseases have broken out amongst the flood

affected people. Sores, fevers and coughs have been reported mostly affecting children. Health facilities are limited and many cannot afford treatment (OXFAM 21.08.2011).

The risk of malaria and dengue is higher for people living in the open, who will need mosquito nets and other means of vector control. (IFRC 26.08.2011).

After the flood waters recede, the risk of water borne diseases will remain. The public health service needs to be prepared for such health hazards (OXFAM 21.08.2011).

Khulna:

No major outbreak of disease has been reported by the Upazila Health Complex (UHC) but diseases like fever, cold, dysentery and diarrhoeal diseases are prevalent in the area. At present, health service extension centres such as satellite clinics, community / union health and family welfare centres are not functioning due to infrastructure damage in the hard to reach areas. No emergency service is being operated by the government or by any NGO (Initial assessment on flood and water-logging 18.08.2011).

Key priorities Most affected groups Pregnant and lactating women

Children, especially those under 5 years old

Recommendations for interventions:

Assessment for emergency health care needs in affected areas.

Mobilization and deployment of mobile medical teams

Maintain coordination / liaison with local civil surgeon office or other health intervention agencies.

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Sectoral pages – WASH Pre disaster situation There is a high concentration of arsenic in the ground

water in Bangladesh. Long-term exposure to arsenic-contaminated drinking water increases the risks of lung, bladder and skin cancers and is associated with heart disease including fatal heart attacks (UNICEF 2010).

In more than 20% of the households in Satkhira and

Jessore, drinking water contained more than 50 µg/l of arsenic (MICS 2009).

The proportion of the population using an improved drinking water source is 86 % (93% in urban and 84% in rural areas) (MICS 2009).

The proportion of households practicing open defecation was 5.7 % with 52% using an improved hygienic sanitation (MICS 2009).

In 2007, 79% of the urban (96% of the rural) population did not treat water prior to drinking (BDHS, 2007).

In the urban slums only 9% of households are using an improved sanitation facility and a large proportion of households share a toilet (MICS 2009).

Women, adolescent girls and children are involved in collecting water for family use (OXFAM 21.08.2011).

In Satkhira, 92% of the population use improved drinking water sources (57% STW, 20% DTW, 12% PSF) with 67% having less than 50µg/l arsenic and 62% have access to an improved sanitation facility.

In Jessore, 99% of the population use improved drinking water sources (83% STW, 16% DTW), with 73% below the threshold for arsenic contamination and 55% have access to an improved sanitation facility.

In Khulna, 90% have access to improved drinking water sources (37% STW, 48% DTW) with 67% below the threshold for arsenic contamination and 59% have access to improved sanitation facilities(MICS 2009).

Current crisis:

Water supply An estimated 70-80% of pumps were submerged

contaminating drinking water sources. Water purification tablets are not available (ECHO 21.08.2011).

An estimated 7,433 tube wells in the affected sub-districts of Jessore, Satkhira and Khulna have been submerged. People (esp. women) have to fetch water from greater distances and often face long queues (Shushilan / Oxfam, 21.08.2011; IFRC, 28.08.2011). Transportation is difficult requiring the carriers (women) to wade through water (Shushilan, 16.08.2011).

Standing water is stagnating. This is compounded by the dumping of domestic waste, animal excreta, dead cattle, dead fish, floating garbage and the overflow of latrines. Affected households are using polluted water for bathing, washing, and cleaning (Shushilan, 16.08.2011) resulting in cases of waterborne diseases (Shushilan Sitrep, 16.08.2011) (IFRC, 28.08.2011).

Significant differences were observed in safe water availability depending on the shelter types: Permanent shelters, school or college compounds have better quality water compared to the temporary shelters on roadsides or other elevated positions (OXFAM, 21.08.2011).

Sanitation An estimated 80-90% of the latrines in the affected sub-

districts of Jessore, Satkhira and Khulna have been submerged (21.08.2011 Shushilan / Oxfam) and people are defecating in open places.

Sanitation is a felt need amongst the displaced population, as there are virtually no places to defecate. People living in temporary shelters do not have access to sanitation facilities (IFRC, 26.08.2011) and the situation is particularly difficult for girls and women (ECHO, 21.08.2011).

A few latrines installed by NGOs beside the road now have more than 15-20 families using one latrine. The latrines are not well suited for women, elderly, children and those with disabilities and will soon be filled. (OXFAM, 21.08.2011).

De-sludging of latrines in Tala Upazila is a major problem due to a lack of available space, laborers and materials (NB de-sludging frequency increases with the sharing of latrines).

Latrine materials and skilled labour are available in the market but most users have not yet repaired their latrines because of the increases in material prices over the last weeks (OXFAM, 21.08.2011).

The usage of latrines in shelters varies from 20-30 households per latrine depending on the location. In Tala Upazila there is limited space for latrines on roadside shelters and the latrines in market places are not sufficient for the demand (OXFAM, 21.08.2011).

Hygiene:

Hand washing and water storage practices are dependent on the availability of soap / ash, dry spaces and items (pots) for water storage. People do not have pots to collect or store water as their pots are under collapsed houses, broken or left behind in haste when evacuating their homes (OXFAM / Shushilan 18-20.08.2011).

Soap, ash and water are not available at or close to the latrines. Only a few women and adolescent girls are using sanitary napkins. In most cases they use old cloths as there is no separate space for changing sanitary napkins, washing, drying and / or disposing of them. (WASH 28.08.2011)

Water borne diseases Diarrheal and skin diseases have increased in the affected

areas with high number of cases reported in Tala and Satkhira Sadar Upazila of Satkhira district (IFRC, 28.08.2011).

According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office of Satkhira district 3,713 and 56 diarrheal patients were recorded in Satkhira Sadar and Tala Upazila respectively, and 2,242 and 717 skin diseases patients under treatment in Satkhira Sadar and Tala Upazila of Satkhira district. (IFRC, 28.08.2011).

Coping mechanisms of women during water logging are:

Avoiding latrine usage during the day.

Being accompanied while going to latrines at night.

Traveling to a relative’s house for defecation.

Eating less food to avoid latrine use during the day.

Continue taking contraceptive pills to avoid menstruation.

Repeated use of same napkin for menstrual management.

Bathing on alternate alternative days (OXFAM / Shishulan, 21.08.2011)

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – WASH

Key priorities

Most affected Upazilas: Most affected unions are in Keshabpur and Monirampur Upazila in Jessore district and Tala, Kalaroa and Satkhira Sadar Upazila in Satkhira district. Most affected groups:

Those displaced to spontaneous settlements with makeshift shelters, those living in over-crowded collective centres and those marooned in damaged houses.

Most vulnerable groups: Persons with disabilities, women, adolescent girls, children, the elderly, people with long-term illnesses, lactating / pregnant women and female headed households. Recommendations for intervention The WASH Cluster Assessment of 28 August recommended that intervention needs to include both immediate relief and longer term recovery support. (WASH 28.08.2011) .

Water supply:

Provision of safe drinking water (water trucking, treatment of STW distribution of water purifying tablets and water containers).

Conduct water quality tests to detect faecal coliform contamination of water sources.

Deploy pumps for discharging water from the affected localities

Disinfect and raise platforms of existing tube wells in areas of return. All existing tube wells need to be disinfected through chlorination.

Minor repair and re-functioning of existing tube wells and platforms.

Screening for arsenic contamination.

Excavation, re-excavation of ponds and rising of embankments above 2-3 feet of flood level where tube wells are not feasible (04 villages).

Introduce PSFs and motivate people to use them through promotion campaigns.

Sanitation:

Minimum 03-05 rings raised woman and elderly friendly pit latrine installation at roadsides, embankments and collective centres where people are residing.

Provision of 1 latrine per 5 households. Special considerations should be given for persons with disabilities (based on the type of disability).

Latrines reserved for females.

Installation of temporary latrines where appropriate.

Rehabilitation of school latrines Hygiene

Hygiene promotion work through community health volunteers.

Awareness raising on waterborne diseases and preventive measures

Distribution of WASH NFI items like Hygiene kits (bathing/washing soap, sanitary napkins, Dettol, bleaching powder, carbolic acid for snake or insect bite, lamp (hurricane), mosquito net etc.

Building awareness of adolescent girls and women on special care for menstrual management during IDP situation.

Building community awareness on waste management.

Awareness on vector control mechanism.

Drainage: Remove debris

Proper drainage systems through dredging and (re) excavation of river silt / basin

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – Protection Protection indicators:

Bangladesh has a ranking of 90

th of 102 countries

according to the Social Institutions & Gender Index ranking. It is highly patriarchal and gender discrimination is present across all levels of society.

The Bangladeshi Constitution affirms gender equality, but state legislation and institutions frequently disregard women’s rights.

Women and young girls are more disadvantaged than men in their access to education, health care and financial assets.

The country has the highest rate of early marriage in Asia, and ranks among the highest worldwide. 48% of all girls between 15 and 19 years of age are married, divorced or widowed.

Islamic Sharia law regards women as “custodians” but not legal guardians of their children. If a father dies, his children may be taken away by his family.

A study released by the UN Population Fund in 2000 reported that 47% of adult women surveyed had suffered physical abuses by their male partners.

Tradition and social norms limit the ability of Bangladeshi women to achieve financial independence. Despite their growing role in agriculture, social and customary practices effectively exclude women from any hope of direct access to land. Their situation is further impaired by discriminatory inheritance laws and cultural norms.

Acid attacks are also quite common, and are usually undertaken as an act of revenge by a rejected suitor or in response to land disputes.

Their freedom of movement of women and girls is usually restrained to the vicinity of their homes and local

neighborhoods (SIGI OECD). Current Crisis:

All affected districts: FGDs (Focus group discussions) with female groups revealed the following protection issues: Women and adolescent girls are severely impacted by

the current situation in regard to use of latrines. A lack of privacy forces them to use latrines (or to defecate in the open) at night when it is dark, rather than in daylight when they can be seen. Being out at night impacts there security.

This also has health implications for women because they adjust their food and water consumption to try and avoid having to go to the toilet during the day.

Women and girls also feel insecure collecting water. There is concern about sexual harassment taking place in collective centres. Because of this some women and girls are sent away to stay with relatives rather than staying with their family at the centres (OXFAM, 21.08.2011).

Key priorities

Priority areas: All affected districts

Priority groups: Women and adolescent girls, children, elders, persons with disabilities and the chronically ill.

Recommendations for intervention

Establish safe water and sanitation facilities for women and children.

Formation of a GBV (gender-based violence) referral mechanism.

Strengthen and establish monitoring and referral mechanisms, legal aid, information and counselling services to address vulnerable people’s access to assistance and services

Monitor vulnerable groups’ access to services and assistance, mapping of protection services

Advocate with key stakeholders and duty bearers to secure commitments to address critical gaps and respond to specific needs.

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – Shelter & NFI

Key Characteristics: Cement and brick walled houses and tiled roof houses

are prevalent in the border region of Jessore. Bamboo fenced outer boundary walls of houses are a characteristic for the region. (Rural Housing in Bangladesh, 2000).

In the southern part of Khulna golpata is commonly used as a roofing material for bamboo walled houses (Rural Housing in Bangladesh, 2000).

Insecure tenure aggravates the vulnerability of urban and rural poor, migrants and landless population. Insecure tenure often prohibits access to public services. Tenure security raises the likelihood that poor communities will manage house improvements by themselves.

The majority of the landless are poor fishermen, daily workers and farmers (i.e. don’t own land).

The landless (and also those who own very small plots of land) have the highest poverty rates. The poverty rate of landless people is 46% and the poverty rate of owners of land less than 0.05 acre is 56%, (JBIC 2007).

Rural families often do not have their own homestead. They live in shared properties, mortgaged or rented homesteads (Rural Housing in Bangladesh, 2000).

Access to electricity in Bangladesh is low. The electrification rate is 41% with 96 million of people without electricity (IEA 2010).

Buildings with roofs of natural organic materials are common. These have a short lifespan of typically less than 5 years (Building for Safety in Bangladesh, 1999).

In recent years there has been dramatic rural to urban migration in Bangladesh. The number of people living in extreme poverty in slum and non-slum urban areas is unknown (Bridging the Urban Divide, 2010).

Current Issues: All affected areas:

Roadside shelters are fragile, they do not offer adequate protection from elements or privacy. They are made of salvaged and locally available materials including wild leaves, straw, tree branches and plastic bags.

In collective centres, up to 10 families are living in one room (observed by the ECHO mission). These centres do not have the capacity to cater for their inhabitants.

Local markets are not functioning and the provision of NFIs (i.e. jerry cans for potable water, cooking stoves, fuel, pots and other utensils) is a priority (ECHO Sit rep2 Bangladesh Floods, 21.08.2011).

Satkhira:

As of 22 August an estimated 22,854 families have taken shelter in schools and on road side high ground.

Relief support is focusing on families in shelters while huge numbers of families are marooned in their homes in need of emergency assistance. (Satkhira WASH cluster meeting minutes, 22.08.2011).

Due to the flood 32,718 houses are fully damaged. At least 60 % houses of the area are inundated with water (17.08.2011 Sitrep Samadhan).

104,880 people took shelter in schools, colleges, madrassas, roadside and other high places.

Women and elderly headed households are in a precarious condition.

Congested shelters present risks of diseases outbreak as well as risks of violence and rape. (28.08.2011 WASH Cluster assessment mission report on Satkhira district).

Hundreds of households are surrounded by flood water and mud houses have collapsed. Only brick build houses (2-3% of total households) remain standing.

People living in makeshift houses need emergency shelter to protect them from rain and maintain minimum privacy of women and adolescent girls.

Women and children need clothing to withstand cold and windy weather. The risk of malaria and dengue is higher for people living largely in the open and close to stagnant water. (26.08.2011 IFRC Emergency Appeal)

Out of the estimated 700,000 people affected in Satkhira, 112,500 people (25,000 households) are estimated to be currently displaced on roadsides, embankments or in shelters. (Rapid Food security assessment at Satkhira final)

Khulna:

As of August 18th 3519 houses were damaged and 6,525

people living in temporary shelters. (Initial Assessment of Floods and Water-logging in South-West Bangladesh, 2011).

Jessore:

As of August 18th 4,646 houses were damaged and 6435

people are living in temporary shelters. (Initial Assessment of Floods and Water-logging in South-West Bangladesh, 2011)

Key priorities

Priority Groups:

People living on road side / raised ground

People marooned in their own houses

People in collective centres

Women, children and elderly Recommendations for intervention

Distribution of emergency repair kits for those with damaged houses

Distribution of shelter materials with short term and longer term use.

Provide cash / vouchers to enable the population to obtain shelter related materials

Distribution of NFIs, including clothing and mosquito nets

Secondary Data Review – Bangladesh, August 2011

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Sectoral pages – Education Key Characteristics: In 2009, the adult literacy rate in Bangladesh was 56%

(WB 2011)

Expenditure on education totaled 2,4% of GDP in 2010 (UNDP HDI 2010)

Children are in average attending school for 8.1 years (UNDP HDI 2010)

Primary and Secondary Education

The majority of Bangladeshis have attended school. There is no gender difference in primary education, however men are almost twice as likely as women to complete secondary school.

There has been little change in the proportion of men and women with no education. Since 2004 it has declined from 27% to 25% among men and from 34% to 30% among women. (DHS 2007)

89% of males (94% of females) enrolled in primary school whereas only 43% of males (45% of females) enrolled in secondary schools. (UNICEF 2010)

Literacy

In 2007 only 55% of women of age 15-49 in Bangladesh are literate. (DHS 2007)

65% of urban women are literate compared with 52% of rural women.

79% of women age 15-19 are literate against 31% of women age 45-49.

Men are about as likely as women to be literate. 57% of Bangladeshi men age 15- 49 are literate. (DHS 2007)

Current Issues: Around 980 education institutions in Jessore, Satkhira

and Khulna districts are under water. Long-term closure of educational institutions will have an impact on the local communities especially children and adolescents. (Initial assessment on floods and water-logging, 18.08.2011 and Concern flood report, 20.08.2011).

Schools in all three districts serve as emergency and temporary shelters hosting a large number of displaced and homeless people. Current usability for education is limited and potential losses of furniture / materials will have a long-term impact on education quality.

Key priorities

Priority Groups Children unable to attend school. Children preparing for examinations. Recommendations for intervention

Further information is required on the specific locations of schools currently not functioning.

Replace damaged teaching and learning materials. Restoration of school buildings including water and sanitation facilities in schools Establish safe and child-friendly temporary learning centers.

Ensure physical access to the facilities through repairing and re-constructing link roads, pathways, providing water transport as required.

Provide transitional school structures for partially or completely damaged schools.

Introduce / enhance school feeding programmes

Key background resources

WFP, 2009. Bangladesh Food Security and Nutrition Assessment. http://documents.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/liaison_offices/wfp221036.pdf

UNICEF, 2009. Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, Bangladesh. http://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/MICS-PP-09-v10.pdf

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2009. Household Income and Expenditure Survey. http://www.bbs.gov.bd/PageReportLists.aspx?PARENTKEY=66

UNICEF, DPHE, 28.08.2011. WASH Cluster Assessment Mission Report on Satkhira District.

WFP, FAO, Shushilan, .08.2011. A Rapid Food Security Assessment at Satkhira in the Context of Recent Flood and Water Logging.

Concern WW, Christina Aid, Danish Church Aid, Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, Save the Children, Solidarites International, Initial Assessment on Floods and Water Logging in South-West Bangladesh, 18.08.2011

Oxfam & Shushilan, Public Health Assessment, August 18-20, 2011

ECHP Crisis Report, Bangladesh Floods – Sitre No 2, 14-21.08.2011

Oxfam, Sitrep No 2, 21.08.2011

Shushilan, Water-logging Situation Report, 16.08.2011

Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, www.ffwc.gov.bd

Disaster management Information Centre (DMIC), Situation Reports, www.dmb.gov, bd

WASH Cluster report on Shatkira, 28.08.2011

Recovery Needs Assessment Report from Cyclone Aila, 03.2011

UN Flood & Cyclone Lessons Learned Workshop, March 2008

Gender Perspective for the South Asia Shelter Review (Informal Paper)