The refugee camp in south-east Bangladesh, which are home to nearly one million refugees, are homes of reservoirs and ponds that quickly fill up during the monsoon. Recently UNHCR has provided lifeguard training to 230 refugees to help save those who get into difficulties during this monsoon season.
Refugee volunteers, trained by UNHCR and partners, are engaged in protecting the residents of the sprawling refugee camp during the monsoon season and also are spreading awareness of the risks the weather brings and how families can better protect themselves.
Many Rohingya refugees are illiterate. Recognizing this issue, UNHCR Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist, Marina Drazba, created a board game to spread awareness and information regarding the risk during the flood season.
“The game has helped us to reach and engage large audiences. It’s colourful and visually compelling. You don’t need to be able to read. It’s also quite a competitive game. It shows you the risks and teaches you how to recognize the hazards and survive as you play. Every day we see more and more people, young and old, coming to play the board games. It’s become a big hit,” she says.
Monsoon can be harsh in Bangladesh. In July, storms poured over 14 inches (350 millimetres) on the camp in just one 72-hour period, destroying more than 270 shelters and injuring 11 people.
In addition along with instruction in rescue and first-aid techniques, the volunteers also receive safety equipment including lifebelts and throwlines to allow them to swing into action fast.
UNHCR and its partners are working to fence off many open reservoirs and ponds to keep youngsters from playing in them.
