Abul Kalam, 45, a farmer from Fashiakhali in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, suffered extensive damage to his home and cropland during the devastating floods that struck in the second week of July this monsoon season.

Although the floodwaters receded nearly 20 days ago, the memories remain vivid for him. The marks left behind by the powerful currents are still visible across his homestead, serving as a constant reminder of the disaster.

“We remained stranded by floodwater for three consecutive days. Even the young children in my family had to go hungry. I never want to experience such a situation again,” Abul Kalam said.

On Friday (July 31), local development organization Multi Serve International (MSI) distributed food assistance to 2,400 flood-affected families in Chakaria, including Abul Kalam’s family, with support from the Japan-based donor organization Kazuko Bhuiyan Welfare Trust.

Another beneficiary, Muminul Islam, said the assistance may appear modest, but it means a great deal to families struggling to recover.

“We are grateful to the government and everyone who has stood beside us. Their compassion has given us renewed hope to rebuild our lives after the floods,” he said.

The chief guest at the food distribution programme was Safwanul Karim, Press Secretary to Home Minister and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) Member of Parliament Salahuddin Ahmed.

Speaking at the event, Safwanul Karim said the Home Minister had closely monitored the flood situation from the very beginning and personally visited the affected areas. He added that coordinated relief efforts by both government and non-government organizations had significantly improved conditions in the aftermath of the disaster.

“Support initiatives will continue until the affected families are able to fully recover from their losses,” he said.

Among those present at the programme were donor representative Golam Murtaza, MSI Executive Director Mohammad Zubair, Project Coordinator Mozammel Haque, and other local dignitaries.

MSI Executive Director Mohammad Zubair said the organization is providing one month’s emergency food assistance to around 5,500 flood-affected people in Chakaria, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari. He added that relief distribution would continue in flood-hit areas with the support of donor agencies, depending on available resources.

According to the Cox’s Bazar District Relief and Rehabilitation Office, the July floods affected 232,698 people from 45,436 families across the district and claimed 31 lives.

Chakaria was the worst-hit upazila, where approximately 75,500 people from 11,231 families across 11 unions and one municipality were affected by the floods.