By Sumi Khan

Dhaka, Aug 3 (IANS): The European Union (EU) has provided 100,000 euros, almost Tk 1 crore, aid that will directly benefit 25,000 people in flood-hit Bangladesh.

An estimated 2.8 million people have been displaced by floods triggered by the unrelenting rains.

The EU's humanitarian aid is to assist the most vulnerable communities in response to severe flooding that has affected nearly one-third of the country.

The aid will benefit flood-affected people in some of the hardest-hit areas in the districts of Jamalpur, Sylhet, Sirajganj, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Tangail, the EU said on Monday.

The funding is a part of the EU's overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The relief will also help evacuate people to safe shelters with their assets and livestock, deliver food packs, water purification units, tarpaulins and essential household items, as well as providing first aid.

Since late June, hundreds have been killed and millions affected by the heaviest rains in a decade.

Flood damage to homes, agricultural land, schools and hospitals will exacerbate the situation for people already suffering economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.