Natural disaster aftermath in the Bangladeshi south

My journey as a climate activist started in my childhood. I was born and raised in Satkhira, considered amongst the most climate vulnerable parts of Bangladesh. When I was eight years old, cyclone Aila took place in this region. I still remember that one night the water level rose to my bed, and I got terrified.

The following day different organizations were distributing relief in my area. But unfortunately, I couldn’t get any relief as I was only eight then. Since then, I have wanted to know how to cope with this situation for my survival. Currently, I am working as a climate activist and raising my voice through my camera lens using social media as my platform.

These images reflect the fight of survival for the people in the south. As a youth climate activist from Satkhira I have taken up my camera as a weapon in my fight against climate change. I have been actively posting photos and videos to create awareness on the lives of the communities here.

My work has been picked up by many people from social media, furthermore it has created opportunities for me to work as a child journalist in UNICEF, Bangladesh generation parliament, Bangladesh News. Currently I am working as a volunteer in Jalabayu Parishad and I am motivated to continue my passion and raise awareness about Climate Justice for us.

The following photos are some of the images from South Bangladesh, on how youths have self organized to help their community survive the onslaught of cyclones.

S M Shahin Alom is a climate activist and photojournalist.

Cyclone YAAS - After cyclone YAAS hit Padma Pukur, Patakhali, Shyamnagar, the local people and the youth try to organize themselves to repair the dam beside their home before it is too late as the rising tidal water can enter the village from that side at any moment.

Cyclone YAAS - This picture was taken right after cyclone YAAS when a father was taking his children to their home. They spent the night at the local mosque as the water rose. The father is taking the younger child on his shoulder as she cant swim, and the elder one is taking his pets (ducks and chicken) in the drum. Both the father and the son are trying to protect their loved ones.

Cyclone YAAS - This woman from Gabura, Lebubunia suffered a lot from damage to her house due to cyclone Amphan, and again this year after cyclone Yaas she lost whatever remained of her house. This house used to mean everything to her and now she has nothing.

Cyclone YAAS - This photo is from Koyra after cyclone Yass left the people in the area flooded with tidal water, the local youths organized themselves and collected funds through Facebook live to provide relief to the communities who cant get any food.

Cyclone Amphan - As the flood water entered the village of Ashashoni, Protabnagar, Sathkhira the day after the cyclone Amphan, People take all the essential things and move to another place to take shelter as their houses are about to get submerged in flood water.

Cyclone Amphan - This photo is from Gabura, Sathkhira after the cyclone Amphan. The old womans house used to be where she was lying down, but due to the cyclone, she lost most of her valuable possessions. With nothing to look forward to and no hope, she lies down on what remains of possession.

Cyclone Amphan - This picture was taken at noon at Bonnotola, Padmapukur after Amphan. The people are sitting on the dam as their houses are mostly washed away with the tidal water. Unaware of how they will manage their next meal, they sit there with lots of tension and anxiety about what is going to happen next.