Greta Thunberg donates 100,000 euros for flood relief efforts in Bangladesh, India

Swedish youth and environmental activist Greta Thunberg has announced to donate 100,000 euros for flood relief efforts in Bangladesh and India. 

The money will go to organisations providing direct relief to people suffering from the humanitarian crisis caused by the on-going extreme monsoon flooding in both countries, says a press release issued by Brac.  

In Bangladesh, Brac will get 25,000 euros to run relief efforts for the flood-affected people.

The donation comes after Greta was awarded 1 million euros for winning the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, announced last Monday (July 20). 

The Greta Thunberg Foundation will donate the full sum to charitable projects combatting the climate and ecological crisis and supporting people facing its worst impacts, particularly in the "Global South."

Announcing the donation, Greta said the climate crisis is urgent and that people, particularly in the Global South, are suffering devastating impacts already today.

"Millions of people in South Asia have been severely affected by recent flooding, at a time when many had already lost so much from Covid-19 and cyclone Amphan. The international media is largely ignoring this devastation, but we must do everything possible to directly support those suffering on the ground," she said.  

"I am incredibly privileged to be in a position to be able to donate such sums of money through my foundation, and we are supporting these organisations to make sure it reaches communities affected by the flooding as soon as possible," Greta added.

Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh lauded Greta's effort, terming it time-befitting.

"Support is urgently needed to help those suffering on the ground. The unusually prolonged flooding, combined with the fact that many communities are still recovering from cyclone Amphan and the country is in the grip of a global pandemic have combined in a perfect storm of factors which has seen millions of people lose homes, livelihoods and thousands of acres of croplands vital for food security. This fund will help us deliver assistance to the affected people," Saleh said.

Close to one third of Bangladesh is already suffering flooding, with 2.8 million people affected. In India, more than 6.8 million people have been affected by recent severe monsoon floods, claiming about 113 lives so far. 

Other than Brac, ActionAid Bangladesh, ActionAid India and environmental organisation Goonj will receive the same amount of funds to conduct relief efforts in affected areas of Bangladesh and India.