Cyclone Sidr wreaks havoc in Bangladesh
21/11/2007
During the night of 15 November, Cyclone ‘Sidr’ crashed into the low lying coastal areas of Bangladesh. In total nine districts were hit; over 3,000 people have so far been confirmed dead, but this number is expected to rise. Millions are currently at risk from contaminated water supplies, shortages of food and lack of shelter, access to medicine and shelter.
In the worst-hit coastal district of Bagerhat, Sarankhola, figures stand at 627 dead, 6,000 families homeless and over 22,000 houses completely destroyed. Many of the survivors, with no home left to take shelter in, are forced to sleep out at night.
The Bangladesh Armed Forces, in cooperation with the district administration, have been providing emergency relief support in the coastal areas, distributing relief materials among the survivors. SOS Children’s Villages has begun to work with the armed forces, in order to provide support and practical assistance to the affected families. Emergency supplies will be distributed through the social centre in Khulna, located about 35km from Bagerhat.
Initial support from SOS Children will see the erection temporary shelters and the provision of corrugated iron to build temporary roofs over the damaged structures that still stand. With winter fast looming, providing shelter is currently among the most pressing tasks. Blankets and other supplies will also be distributed. SOS Children aims to reach at least 650 of the worst affected families.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or serious damage to any of the SOS Children’s Villages or projects in Bangladesh.
Relevant Countries: Bangladesh.