Weeks of flooding, heat waves and a cyclone severely affected Bangladesh over the last year. However, the precautions taken by people in the project areas proved efficient. Those affected were able to repair the damage quickly thanks to rapid, effective assistance

In May 2024, Cyclone ‘Remal’ struck the coastal areas of southern Bangladesh with devastating force. Entire municipalities were evacuated, leaving homes and vital infrastructure in ruins. The natural disaster dealt a severe blow to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, including participants in NETZ projects who had built a stable existence in the affected region. They were at risk of sliding back into extreme poverty as a result of the disaster.

Many project participants managed to cope with the consequences of the destruction by themselves and thus secured their livelihoods. Given the situation, NETZ nevertheless decided to launch a special donation campaign: 384 families who were particularly severely affected and unable to cope with the damage on their own received rapid support in rebuilding their homes. Meanwhile, many members of the village groups supported each other in the reconstruction efforts.

Five Anandalok schools in the Rangpur region were affected by flooding and temporarily became inaccessible in September. Local communities monitored the situation closely and ensured that students and teachers were safe.

During a cold spell last winter, village groups distributed blankets to families in need in 843 cases, in some instances in cooperation with local authorities.