Singapore pledges US$100,000 for Bangladesh flood victims

SINGAPORE: The Singapore government will contribute US$100,000 (S$130,400) as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) public fundraising efforts towards relief efforts in the wake of severe flooding in Bangladesh’s eastern districts.  

“The contribution will support humanitarian relief efforts and the immediate needs of affected communities,” the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Sunday (Sep 8). 

The Singapore Red Cross on Thursday committed US$50,000 to support emergency operations in the area.

It also launched a fundraising appeal to further support recovery efforts, which will run until Oct 31. 
 
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and displacement caused by the severe floods,” said Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General of the Singapore Red Cross.

He added that SRC is working very closely with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to monitor the situation and to explore areas of collaboration and assistance.

Heavy rainfall since late August has affected more than 5.8 million people in 492 municipalities. At least 502,501 people have been sheltered in 3,403 evacuation centres, said Mr William.

Bangladesh authorities are now focusing on preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, a common aftermath of such disasters, and ensuring the availability of clean drinking water.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said 2 million children are at risk from Bangladesh's most severe flooding in three decades. It has launched an urgent appeal for US$35 million to provide essential supplies to those affected.

More information on donating to the Singapore Red Cross is available online.