Cylone Sidr emergency update

3 January 2008

Cyclone Sidr hit the southern coast of Bangladesh on 15 November 2007 causing wide-spread devastation.

The cyclone claimed the lives of over 3,000 people and caused extensive damage to crops, houses, school buildings and roads.

1.5 million people are living in temporary shelters where they fled after their homes were destroyed. In rural areas, such as Madarapur, it is thought that close to 70% of the population have lost their homes. Electricity supplies and telecommunication systems were destroyed and water sources contaminated, leading to an acute shortage of clean drinking water and the spread of water borne diseases.

Y Care International launched an emergency appeal to raise money for our partner, ACT International, to provide relief to the most vulnerable groups of people in the districts of Bagerhat, Barisal, Gopalganj, Khulna and Madarapur.

Funds raised by the appeal have been providing clean drinking water, food packages and temporary shelters, as well as essential items such as bedding, clothing and blankets.  

Cyclone Sidr destroyed many crops, including rice and vegetables, so those affected are also facing future shortages of food. In the coming weeks, ACT International will be planning further rehabilitation assistance, including housing and livelihood support for the communities so drastically affected.

Read the emergency appeal