Flood-hit homes better prepared for future after rebuilding efforts

WHEN floodwaters ripped through rural communities in Bangladesh in August 2024, more than half a million people were forced to leave their homes.

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While some homes withstood the rush of surging waters that breached embankments and saturated the land, others were badly damaged or swept away.

Families faced the loss of their homes but also the uncertainty of how to begin again. They had to find shelter wherever they could - staying with relatives, in schools, hospitals, or makeshift camps. For many living in low-lying areas homes they knew they'd need to rebuild from scratch using salvaged or costly new materials.

Families like Saleha and Mohiuddin were among those hardest hit. Their homes were completely waterlogged and at risk of collapse.

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“I had to go to local markets, leaving my children at home. But the plinth is not so good now. I fear that they will have an accident or injury due to this eroded plinth and water in the yard,” said Saleha.

Mohiuddin added: “I don’t know how I could repair my house. I have lost everything.”

A year on, and there’s a different story to tell - one of strength, recovery and rebuilding.

I've just returned from Bangladesh with ShelterBox where with Bangladeshi organisation Uttaran and the local community we've just completed a major recovery project, supporting thousands of families to rebuild.