WFP Welcomes Japan’s $3.2M Aid for Flood, Cyclone Victims

The contribution, which will provide crucial support to vulnerable populations, was formalized through an agreement signed by Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Domenico Scalpelli, WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh.

"I’m hopeful that this project will rehabilitate infrastructure in the hardest-hit districts affected by floods and cyclones," said Ambassador Saida, highlighting the urgent need for rebuilding efforts in these areas.

“This project is essential for scaling up life-saving assistance and recovery efforts. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions and will cooperate with international organizations such as WFP,” he added.

The Japanese contribution will address both immediate food needs and the longer-term goal of improving food security through the restoration of vital infrastructure. This includes the rebuilding of roads, embankments, and small-scale bridges that were severely damaged by Cyclone Remal and the widespread flooding that affected Bangladesh in 2024. These natural disasters, which were part of a series of unprecedented climate emergencies, affected nearly 18 million people across the country.

The funding will primarily benefit over half a million people in the most affected districts, including Khulna, Satkhira, Cumilla, Borguna, Moulavibazar, and Kurigram. These areas have been severely impacted by both the cyclone and the floods, which have disrupted access to markets and essential services, further compromising the food security of local communities.

“Damaged infrastructure has hampered communities' access to markets and vital services, delaying recovery efforts and threatening food security. By strengthening food security and rebuilding critical infrastructure, we will help these communities recover more quickly and become more resilient to future shocks,” said Domenico Scalpelli, WFP’s Country Director in Bangladesh.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Remal and the floods that devastated the Sylhet, Jamuna basin, and eastern regions, WFP provided immediate assistance to nearly 150,000 households in 12 of the most flood-affected districts.

Japan has also been a key donor in supporting Bangladesh’s flood recovery. Since September 2024, Japan has contributed US$ 1 million through UNHCR and UNICEF to assist flood-affected areas. Additionally, Japan provided US$ 2 million in emergency humanitarian aid to the Japan Platform, a coalition of Japanese NGOs, to implement relief programs in eastern Bangladesh. Moreover, the Japanese Commerce & Industry Association and the Japanese Association in Dhaka collectively donated BDT 200,000 to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, further assisting those affected by the floods.

This week, Japan also signed a US$ 3.2 million agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support ongoing flood response and recovery efforts.

Through these comprehensive contributions, Japan continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping Bangladesh recover from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Remal and the floods, while also contributing to long-term resilience in the region.