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Facebook has extended supports to the flood victims in Bangladesh after people's sufferings have deepened as it has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, causing millions of people to slip into dire poverty.
Experts consider this year's flood as the longest one in terms of duration since 1998, directly affecting 33 districts and the lives of 5.5 million people.
“To ensure that emergency response organisations can reach flood-affected population, potential donors and volunteers, Facebook conducted a training to equip Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC) and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) with the critical digital capabilities to build out an outreach campaign and utilise Facebook’s tools and products to assist communities in the country,” read a statement.
Facebook also supported BDRCS and BRAC by helping to promote and amplify their content on crisis response among various groups, it added.
Md Ali Reza Mazid, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said, Keeping the vision of a digital Bangladesh, we are striding ahead. Social media is already playing a vital role in tackling the risks of natural disasters in Bangladesh.
“When a global platform like Facebook has come forward to assist the flood-affected people of Bangladesh, it is going to be even easier for us to engage more people in this. I strongly appreciate this collaboration between Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, BRAC and Facebook in disaster response in Bangladesh,” he added.
Sajedul Hasan, Director, BRAC Humanitarian Programme, said, "Post-flood rehabilitation is no less challenging than during-flood operations, considering shortage of work, drinking water and disease outbreaks. We appreciate the gracious support from Facebook in scaling up our efforts in the worst affected communities.”
“Our hearts go out to the people and families who have been affected by the recent flooding. In times of crisis, people turn to Facebook to check on loved ones and get updates. They also turn to Facebook to offer their assistance,” said Ashwani Raina, Public Policy Director for South Asia at Facebook.
“To build on our community’s generosity, we are supporting and partnering with both BRAC and BDRCS to help amplify their outreach campaigns to better serve the needs of the flood victims in Bangladesh,” Ashwani Raina added.