Dhaka: Some 20,000 people of southern Bangladesh who were hit by cyclone Roanu in May last will receive financial assistance from the United Nations to replenish food and other necessities.

The poorest families in the worst-affected areas of Kutubdia and Maheshkali of Cox’s Bazar, Tazumuddin in Bhola, Kolapara in Patuakhali and Patharghata and Taltoli in Barguna will receive Tk 4,000 per month over the next two months (totalling US$100) to stabilise food security and nutrition conditions.

The money is being provided by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

‘When disaster strikes, there is also a protracted impact as livelihoods are lost and work opportunities become scarce,’ says World Food Programme (WFP) Representative Christa Räder. ‘Thanks to this cash, families can retain a measure of choice over the food they get, and manage to eat well.’

With the first payments beginning this week, WFP together with local administrations and NGOs has appointed a senior woman from each of the almost 4,000 participating households to receive the money.

The two cash disbursements will be completed by September. To help ensure that the assistance reaches the most vulnerable, those in participating communities can voice any concerns by calling the WFP hotline at 01766695488 or 01755642188.

Southern Bangladesh experienced heavy rainfall, severe flooding and landslides after cyclone Roanu made landfall in May.

More than a million people were affected as large areas became inundated, and many people remain displaced, their crops and assets destroyed.

In early July, WFP reached 56,000 people with emergency food assistance, in addition to the ongoing cash transfers.