Tropical Cyclone Sidr has killed 3,199 people and left over another thousand missing.
The category 4 storm which struck the coastal belt of Bangladesh around midnight on Thursday, Nov. 15th, is said to be the deadliest storm to hit the country in over a decade and has so far affected 3.1 million people in 28 districts, damaging over 800,000 homes, destroying over 700,000 acres of crops and decimating over 300,000 trees.
Casualty figures are expected to rise as communications and access to villages are restored. Islamic Relief is working closely with the local District Disaster Management Committee in the affected areas.
Islamic Relief Response
Islamic Relief has launched a $6 million appeal for the cyclone victims. Islamic Relief has already made an initial allocation of $1 million that has helped to provide emergency relief to victims including hygiene kits, family kits, tents and food items for 5,200 families. ===
Islamic Relief has launched a $6 million emergency appeal to help the victims in Bangladesh. Islamic relief has also been in the field undertaking needs assessments in highly affected areas such of Patuakhali and Bagerhat.
Islamic Relief has opened an Emergency Control Room (ECM) and dispatched its Emergency Response Unit to make needs assessments in the worst affected areas of Patuakhali and Bagerhat.
Two medical teams comprised of a doctor, two nurses, a paramedic and two volunteers has been dispatched in both these areas to provide medicines and treat injuries. So far the teams have treated 300 patients, 40% of them being treated for injuries and other diseases.
Islamic Relief has already allocated $1 million in emergency relief which has helped to provide the following:
• Shelter for evacuees in local schools, buildings and mosques for evacuees
• Hygiene kits consisting of toothbrushes/toothpastes, hand sanitizers, hand towels, and tents.
• Health services to provide medical care to treat injuries
• 5kg of rice, 1kg of molasses, 1kg of salt, 1 matchbox and 6 candles for 5,200 families
Islamic Relief is continuing to collaborate with ECHO and the Arab Medical Union to provide relief as needed.
Long-Term Goals for Bangladesh Relief
Islamic Relief has created a three month emergency response plan for the victims of Cyclone Sidr that will last until Feb.15, 2008. The plan includes distributing dry food items, candles, match boxes, family kits, tents and plastic sheets to 150,000 people in the Patuakhali and Bagerhta districts.
The victims of the cyclone need your urgent help. Please act now to help those affected.