HAEFA's fundraiser for Rohingya Landslide Victims

URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED FOR LANDSLIDE / FLASH FLOOD VICTIMS:

"For the 3rd time in 3 years, many of the Rohingya have had their homes and families again destroyed by tragedy."

Heavy rain caused by monsoons have caused flash flooding and huge landslides in the Rohingya refugee camps which have killed at least 14 and left thousands of Rohingya families homeless yet again. The Rohingya refugees were ethnically cleansed out of their original homes in Myanmar and have been forced to take refuge on the Southeastern border of Bangladesh in Cox's Bazar since early 2017. There are currently 850,000 Rohingya refugees residing in overcrowded and vulnerable camps in Cox's Bazar, with no means to get educated, access healthcare, relocate, work, or gain citizenship. On March 22nd of 2021, a massive fire ravaged the Balukhali camp and left 15 dead, 45,000 homeless, and over 500 injured. These flash floods and landslides are the next tragic event to happen to the suffering Rohingya refugees and are likely to continue as local weather officials predict the heavy rain will persist over the next few days.

The Rohingya people live on steep hills in makeshift housing made from bamboo, plastic tarps, and mud. As the monsoon rain continues, these houses are easily swept away as the ground beneath is eroded and falling / drifting debris becomes a major concern to all people in the area. Filthy rain water mixed with silt has accumulated and is quickly rising to submerge all in its path.

These heavy monsoon rains are predicted to continue over the next few days, causing even more damage. Rohingya children are at the highest risk of danger as the water levels rise well above their heights. The muddy water moves rapidly, contains many bacterial agents, and is nearly impossible to traverse. While the refugees remain susceptible to great health risks, security risks and water-borne diseases are bound to follow as a result of the unsanitary conditions caused by floods. Children separated from their families have almost no chance of surviving these terrible events as they have no way to locate help in the high waters, have less ability to swim, and are prone to drowning or being struck by quickly moving objects. In addition, falling debris from above is a major hazard.

At least 3 children have been confirmed dead as they were crushed in their homes by a large chunk of a falling hill. Other casualties include children drowning in the flooded streams near Palong Khali refugee camp. More bodies will inevitably be found when the water levels decrease and the rubble is lifted. The elderly and sick are also at high risk, as they also lack the means to relocate to safety.

Many Rohingya have been injured from these catastrophic events and require immediate medical attention. Moreover, HAEFA’s medical center 1W Kutupalong remains in imminent danger of submerging due to poor drainage systems and surrounding dense forests. While several Rohingya Refugees died, some are currently hospitalized and thousands were relocated in the South-east camps in Bangladesh.

We urge you to support the Rohingya people in their time of need. By donating to HAEFA, you will be helping supply our emergency medical and rescue teams with the supplies and PPE they need to save lives as the flash flooding continues. Your donations will also be used to provide medical treatment to the surviving Rohingya who have been injured and most likely infected by various water-borne illnesses. Once the water levels lower, HAEFA will also assist in creating new homes and centers in replacement of the many that were destroyed by landslides and flooding.

Here is a quick news clip about the landslide / flooding:

Please extend your support for these suffering people and spread awareness of this catastrophe by sharing with your friends and family!