The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has activated its Anticipatory Action (AA) response, delivering lifesaving cash assistance to communities at risk of severe flooding in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts of the Sylhet Division in Bangladesh’s northeastern haor region.
Under WFP’s Anticipatory Action programme, which enables humanitarian assistance to be delivered based on reliable weather forecasts and predefined triggers, BDT 5,000 has been transferred directly to households facing heightened flood risks. The first disbursement took place on the evening of April 29, 2026, ahead of peak flooding expected within the next 48 hours.
The assistance allows families to prepare in advance by purchasing food and other essential items, as well as safeguarding their homes and livelihoods. By acting before floodwaters rise, anticipatory action helps reduce loss of life and livelihoods compared to traditional responses delivered after disasters strike.
As of April 30, more than 20,000 households have received cash assistance and early warning messages. The response is supported by a WFP trust fund and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
Under the response, an additional 4,400 households supported under government social safety nets are also receiving cash top-ups to meet emergency needs. This reflects WFP’s longstanding collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen national social protection systems and make them more responsive to climate shocks such as flash floods, enabling timely support during emergencies.
“As climate shocks become more frequent and severe, early action is essential,” said Simone Parchment, WFP Country Director ad interim (a.i.), currently in Sylhet overseeing the response. “Through anticipatory action, families can prepare in advance — whether that means securing food, protecting assets, or moving to safer places. It gives families the time and resources they need to prepare for floods, protect livelihoods, and reduce disaster impacts.”
Bangladesh is among the countries most at risk from climate change. The World Risk Index 2024 ranks Bangladesh ninth globally for disaster risk. Since 2017, WFP has been implementing anticipatory action in Bangladesh under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, with support from partners including the European Union, Germany, Ireland and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Anticipatory action is aligned with global best practices showing that early investment can significantly reduce humanitarian needs and disaster-related losses. A recent WFP and partner study found that every US$1 invested in anticipatory action can generate up to US$7 in avoided losses and additional benefits.