Why are climate and WASH linked?

Climate change means more extreme weather—heavier rains, stronger cyclones, and worse droughts. Over 90% of climate disasters involve water (floods or droughts), so both too much and too little rain threaten our water supply and sanitation. When drainage fails, raw sewage mixes with floodwater, contaminating drinking sources. In short, any storm or heat wave can shut down taps and toilets, exposing people to cholera, dysentery, and other diseases.

Urban Bangladesh faces rising risks

Bangladesh’s cities – especially Dhaka, Chattogram, and other coastal towns – are very low-lying and densely populated. Each year, about 70% of the country floods; Dhaka’s drainage is notoriously weak. In 2004, 40% of Dhaka was underwater. Floodwaters washed away roads and power, and damaged most of the city’s sewerage and water systems. Heatwaves and dry spells also bite: during droughts, city pumps can run dry, forcing families (often slum residents) to buy unsafe water or go without. The result is a vicious cycle: contaminated floodwater spreads diarrhoea, while heat-dried latrines force open defecation, increasing disease. Poor and informal communities suffer first and worst because they lack backup WASH systems.

Health, equity, and livelihoods at stake

Unsafe water and sanitation after floods or drought push vulnerable people deeper into poverty. Children miss school due to cholera and diarrhoea, and sick parents can’t work. Women and girls face extra dangers (e.g., at broken toilets) when WASH facilities fail. 

IPAO’s climate-smart WASH response

IPAO is committed to protecting urban communities through resilient WASH. We believe clean water and safe sanitation are basic human rights. Our urban programs invest in climate-ready solutions: for example, we install deep tube wells, solar-powered water pumps, and rainwater harvesting systems so that even if the grid fails or rains stop, families still have water. We build flood-resistant latrines and train communities in hygiene and water conservation.

Call to Action for Resilient Cities

Our cities are growing (two-thirds of people may live in cities by 2050), so protecting urban WASH is urgent. We all can help: support IPAO’s projects, demand that city planners upgrade drainage and pipelines, and practice water-saving habits at home. When news hits that storms are coming, remember that someone will need a clean well and a working latrine. Together, we can push for policies that build climate-resilient water systems, ensuring every family can drink safe water and use hygienic toilets, even as floods and heatwaves intensify