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| With Cyclone Sidr's landfall in Bangladesh, many people are thought to have been killed as falling trees levelled fragile houses made of thatch, wood and tin. (Photo courtesy: BBC) |
Press Contact:
Nasserie Carew
Director of Public Relations
202-667-8227 X 561
NGO Contacts:
James Bishop
Director of Humanitarian Response
202-667-8227 X 542
Elizabeth Bellardo
Senior Program Associate
202-667-8227 X 566
Updated December 7, 2007
For more information:
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Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh
On November 15th, Bangladesh was hit by Cyclone Sidr, a category 4 storm that has been identified as the second strongest cyclone to make landfall in the country since records began in 1877. The worst affected districts are in the Bay of Bengal, including Patuakhali, Barguna, Bagerhat, Barisal and Pirojpur. Officials have warned that the death toll, already above 3,100, is expected to rise to anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000. However, lower casualties than previous disasters have been attributed to an evacuation program and network of cyclone shelters, set up after a devastating cyclone in 1970 which killed an estimated half a million people.
One of the government’s disaster preparedness measures included the evacuation of approximately 3.2 million people to safe places from along the coastline in 15 districts. A majority of these people have lost their homes and are now internally displaced. Early assessments indicate that nearly 500,000 homes have been fully destroyed, with around 845,000 households having been directly affected by the cyclone. The cyclone has caused extensive damage to 95% of crops in 11 districts, and shrimp hatcheries have been badly hit. Transportation and telecommunications infrastructure have been severely affected, making access and a full assessment of the damage more difficult.
InterAction members are responding to this crisis by providing medicines and basic health services, food, water, shelter, blankets and other relief supplies and services. Many organizations were already present in the country, responding to the massive floods affecting the population in August this year. Many organizations will continue working after the emergency response phase to assist the effected communities in their rebuilding efforts.
While InterAction does not accept donations, the
InterAction members listed here are accepting contributions for assistance
that they or their affiliates are providing to those affected by the flooding in Mexico. InterAction members have agreed to abide by a set of standards to ensure accountability to donors, professional competence and quality of service. Addtionally, InterAction has developed guidelines on the most appropriate ways to help those affected by overseas disasters.
InterAction Members Responding to the Hurricane in Bangladesh
and How You Can Help:
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Action Against Hunger
247 West 37th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018, 877-777-1420
November 16, 2007–Action Against Hunger (already in Bangladesh because of the floods last August) is reinforcing its teams with an emergency team who can assess the situation and the needs in terms of access to food, water and sanitation, as well as the future essential needs of housing and food.
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ADRA International
Emergency Response Fund, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring MD 20904, 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)
November 16, 2007–Emergency response teams based out of the ADRA Bangladesh office in Dhaka are evaluating storm damage and determining the most urgent needs in cyclone-affected areas. Once assessments are completed, ADRA will initiate an emergency response to meet the immediate needs of survivors, which are expected to include food, water, shelter, and clothing.
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American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
JDC-Bangladesh, PO Box 530, 132 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017, 212-687-6200
November 19, 2007–JDC is collecting funds for assistance to relief efforts in Bangladesh. |
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American Red Cross
Bangladesh Relief & Development, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013, 1-800-HELP-NOW
November 19, 2007–The American Red Cross is responding to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society’s (BDRCS) Cyclone Sidr relief operation by contributing more than $1.2 million in financial assistance, supported by the deployment of technical and program staff from headquarters and the region to participate in the International Federation and BDRCS response. The financial contribution includes a $1 million grant from the U.S. Government’s Agency for International Development (USAID) in support of water and sanitation and shelter activities. Based on additional needs indicated by the International Federation, the American Red Cross is likely to provide additional funds, personnel and pre-positioned relief supplies. The American Red Cross is currently accepting financial contributions to help the millions of people affected by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. |
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AmeriCares
Disaster Relief Fund, 88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, 800-486-4357
November 19, 2007–An AmeriCares relief team has arrived in Bangladesh and is working with partners to evaluate the damage from Cyclone Sidr. It is also preparing an emergency airlift aid to the region. AmeriCares has been delivering aid to Bangladesh on an ongoing basis since 2002 providing primary care medicines and supplying orphanages. In August, AmeriCares responded to the massive flooding caused by destructive monsoons by sending a relief team to assess the damage and delivering water purification sachets to provide clean water for the thousands affected by that crisis.
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Baptist World Alliance/Baptist World Aid
Designate ”Bangladesh Cyclone Relief”, 405 N. Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-790-8980
November 19, 2007–Baptist World Aid has received cries for help from two BWA member bodies in Bangladesh, the Baptist Sangha and the Fellowship, following Cyclone Sidr. They have already been feeding cyclone survivors and distributing food. A commitment has been made by the Sangha to assist 150 families to rebuild their homes. BWAid has launched a worldwide appeal for funds to assist.
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Brother’s Brother Foundation
Bangladesh Cyclone, 1200 Galveston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, 412-321-3160
November 19, 2007–Brother's Brother Foundation, working with Life for Relief and Development will send requested pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and Crocs shoes to those in need in Bangladesh. |
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CARE USA
151 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, 800-521-CARE
November 20, 2007–CARE is working with government authorities and local partners to provide needed relief supplies and safe drinking water. |
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Catholic Relief Services
South Asia Severe Weather Fund, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090, 1-877-HELP-CRS
November 19, 2007– Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed
an initial $500,000 to relief efforts across the cyclone-affected
areas of Bangladesh. Emergency field staff from partner agencies
are preparing life-saving assistance to meet immediate needs, including
food, water, plastic sheeting and blankets. Meanwhile, CRS/Caritas
Bangladesh field workers are talking with communities to identify
survival needs, communicating with local vendors to work out supply
routes, and collaborating closely with the local government. The
agencies have also positioned water cans and water purification
tablets at shelters to provide immediate, clean drinking water.
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Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Bangladesh Floods 2007, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560-0600, 800-55-CRWRC
November 19, 2007– CRWRC is currently distributing initial emergency food aid to affected survivors in Kolapara, Gochipa, Khepupara and Shwrankhola. A CRWRC response team has traveled into effected areas of Patuakhali to assess damages and collaborate with long-time Bangladeshi partner Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh (LHCB). CRWRC and LHCB have a strong background in this same area from previous cyclone destruction. A second phase program of non-food items such as blankets, clothing, cooking utensils and other essentials will follow CRWRC’s initial emergency food distribution. CRWRC relief teams on the ground are also reporting that most of the rice crop and other agricultural crops were destroyed. Long-term, CRWRC's mission to the poorest of the poor will focus on small farmers and day laborers in rural areas that have lost their livelihoods and subsistence farms to cyclone destruction. CRWRC is making plans to follow the initial two-phase emergency response with targeted food-and-seed programs that will help farmers restore the agricultural base of the area. |
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Church World Service
Bangladesh Cyclone Response (#6995), 28606 Phillips Street, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515, 1-800-297-1516
November 19, 2007–Church World Service is responding to Cyclone Sidr by supporting its partners and fellow members of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International alliance. CWS partners are beginning emergency support for more than 35,500 people in southern Bangladesh by distributing rice, pulses, salt and oil as well as oral re-hydration salts. The initial assistance, supported by the ACT Rapid Response Fund, will ensure two meals a day for at least five days, targeting particularly vulnerable groups of people including widows, children, the elderly, disabled and those without land. Distribution will focus on the districts of Bagerhat, Barisal, Gopalganj, Khulna and Madarapur. Over the next week, the Church of Bangladesh (CoB), Christian Aid, and the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), among other CWS partners and ACT members, will be assessing early recovery and longer term rehabilitation needs.
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Concern Worldwide U.S.
104 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, 212-557-8000
November 20, 2007–Concern Worldwide is responding to the immediate needs of 26,000 families affected by the cyclone in Bangladesh, providing essential food and non-food materials. Concern has deployed staff to carry-out assessments and identify communities most in need of assistance. |
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Direct Relief International
27 South La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, 805-964-4767
November 19, 2007–Released $280,000 (wholesale) in medical material aid currently en route to partners in Bangladesh. Accepting gifts in kind: medical and personal care supplies. |
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Episcopal Relief and Development
815 Second Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10017, 800-334-7626
November 19, 2007–Episcopal Relief and Development will be responding in cooperation with Action by Churches Together (ACT) and our long-term partner, the Church of Bangladesh. |
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Food for the Hungry
1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 800-248-6437
November 19, 2007–Food for the Hungry relief workers on the scene are responding to Cyclone Sidr which hit this past Thursday, leaving more than 2,300 people dead at last count, with fears that death tolls will be significantly higher. It is estimated that one million families have been affected and the government in Dhaka describes it as a “national calamity.” John Marsden, FH Country Director in Bangladesh, describes the conditions: “Our team is identifying large areas where people have simply the sodden clothes they were in – no food, all of their belongings washed away and their homes totally flattened.” Food for the Hungry relief workers are providing immediate food and shelter, clothing, basic medical supplies, and water and sanitation. |
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Friends of the Food World Program
Designate "Bangladesh Cyclone", 1819 L Street NW, Suite 900, Washington DC 20036, 202-530-1694
November 20, 2007–Friends of the United Nations World Food Program is raising funds for World Food Program (WFP) emergency operations in Bangladesh. WFP and the Bangladesh Air Force have started using helicopters to airdrop WFP high energy biscuits to people stranded in inaccessible areas affected by last week’s cyclone. So far WFP has delivered biscuits to more than 650,000 people in the worst hit areas by land, air and boat. WFP will be working closely with the Bangladesh government to assess the need for longer-term interventions. Plans are also being finalized to start distributing rice, as people start returning to their homes and villages. |
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Habitat for Humanity International
Designate “Bangladesh”,
121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498, 1-800-HABITAT
December 7, 2007–Habitat for Humanity will build 3,000 core houses in the most affected areas in the district of Patuakhali. The work will be carried out through mobile Habitat Resource Centers, designed to ensure timely, efficient and effective use of resources for transitional housing construction that will better withstand cyclones, floods and other natural disasters. The HRCs will also provide construction training for skilled and unskilled workers. The 3,000 core houses will be permanent structures that families can add onto over time. Habitat for Humanity International will work through its National Organization, Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh, as well as with other NGO partners in transitional and permanent housing recovery.
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Hands On Worldwide, Inc
PO Box 546, Carlisle, MA 01741, 706-476-0310
December 22, 2007– Hands On Worldwide, a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, will begin a volunteer project to help the devastated areas in Bangladesh that were affected by Cyclone Sidr on January 5, 2008. Projects may include removal removal, building temporary homes and schools, and restoring the livelihoods on the community. Hands On Worldwide is now accepting monetary donations to aid the survivors of the cyclone and offset the costs of the project. Donations can be made securely at HODR.org. All donations are tax-deductible and will be used effectively in this relief project. All funds donated to Hands On Worldwide go directly towards these efforts to help run a successful relief project.
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The Hunger Project
5 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003, 212-251-9110
November 19, 2007–Thousands of trained, committed Hunger Project volunteer village "animators" are mobilizing their villages to rebuild after this disaster. They are distributing supplies and preparing rehabilitation plans in affected areas. |
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International Medical Corps
Development Department, International Medical Corps, 1919 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90404, 800-481-4462
November 19, 2007– International Medical Corps (IMC) is looking to respond to the humanitarian needs of thousands affected by the recent Bangladesh Cyclone that devastated the Country on Nov 15. IMC is focusing on providing medical supplies, non-food items, nutrition support, water/sanitation and hygiene. IMC will seek to support recovery efforts through partnerships with local non-governmental organizations. |
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International Relief Teams
Cyclone Sihr-Bangladesh, 4560 Alvarado Canyon Rd., Suite 2G, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-284-7979
November 19, 2007–International Relief Teams (IRT) is working collaboratively with other relief agencies to respond to those affected by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. IRT is collecting cash donations to procure medicines and other relief supplies needed by the large displaced population. |
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Life for Relief and Development
Bangladesh Cyclone Fund, 17300 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, 800-827-3543
December 3, 2007–A LIFE Emergency Relief Team is mobilized for distribution of food, water, and other relief items in three phases: The First Phase, Immediate Response consists of food items (rice, dall, oil, flour, children food, food cans for adults, water), medicine (water purification pills, epidemics and water borne diseases medication e.g. saline for diarrhea etc.), clothing (saari for women and lungi for men, shoes etc.), bedding (blankets, bed sheets, pillows etc.), and shelter (tents or otherwise). The Second Phase, Repair Response, will include the restoration of normal life and rehabilitation activities including repair and re-construction of houses, crops and livestock support. The Third Phase, Capacity Building, will demand long term projects for economic and livelihood support including public facilities e.g. schools and hospitals recovery. |
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Lutheran World Relief
P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, 800-597-5972
November 19, 2007–Through the ACT International alliance, LWR is providing immediate emergency assistance to 7,100 cyclone affected families through a distribution of food aid and oral dehydration saline. The target group comprises the very poor and destitute. Special attention will be paid to women, children, the elderly and disabled. |
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MAP International
Aid to Bangladesh, MAP International Donor Services, PO Box 7020, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9931, (800) 225-8550
November 16, 2007–As the death toll rises, MAP International is assembling medical aid to prevent further loss of life. “As soon as news of the disaster spread, we were in contact with relief workers on the ground to determine exactly what was needed and where,” said Chris Palusky, relief director for MAP International. “In addition to emergency relief, we are also assessing the long-term needs so that we may continue to help the people of Bangladesh recover from this overwhelming disaster.” |
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Mercy-USA for Aid and Development
Attn: Bangladesh Cyclone Relief, 44450 Pinetree Drive, Suite 201, Plymouth, Michigan 48170-3869, 1-800-55-MERCY (1-800-556-3729)
November 19, 2007–Mercy-USA for Aid and Development, through our local partner Assistance for Humanitarian Development (AHD), is distributing food packages containing 44 pounds of rice, 6.6 lb. of lentils, one liter of cooking oil, salt and high protein biscuits to families left homeless by the cyclone. |
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Operation USA
Bangladesh Cyclone, 3617 Hayden Ave. Suite A Culver City, CA 90232 1-800-678-7255
November 16, 2007–Operation USA has worked in Bangladesh on 2 previous cyclone and flood disasters and works thru local NGOs and international organizations providing bulk supplies to re-establish basic health services--funds are used for transportation, local purchase and grant making for small clinics and social service agencies. Operation USA is accepting cash and new bulk corporate in-kind donations only. |
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Oxfam America
Bangladesh Cyclone Fund, P.O. Box 1211, Albert Lea, MN 506007-1211, 800-776-9326
November 21, 2007–After mobilizing around 1,000 people to assist in the evacuation before the storm, the work of Oxfam and our partner organizations is now focused on ensuring that communities in the hard-hit districts of Barisal, Patuakhali, Barguna, and Pirojpur have access to food, shelter, clean water, sanitation, relief materials, and information on how to stay healthy under emergency conditions.
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Plan USA
155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886, 800-556-7918
November 19, 2007–Plan began immediate emergency relief operations with delivery of food, water, and medicines the day after Sidr made landfall. Its on-going program targets 50,000 people in the hard hit coastal districts of Barisal, Barguna, and Patuakhali with distribution of food and non-food Items, shelter, medicines, and water, as well as implementation of sanitation efforts. Special emphasis is being given to address the under-served psycho-social support needs of children in the wake of the devastating cyclone. Please note "Bangladesh Cyclone" on check/m.o. |
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Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance and Hunger Program
DR000002, Central Receiving Service, 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202
800-872-3283
November 19, 2007–Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with our partner Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) and in cooperation with members of the Action by Church Together (ACT) Alliance in Bangladesh to provide emergency food support including rice, pulses, salt and oil as well as oral rehydration salts. The initial assistance will ensure two meals a day for at least five days, targeting particularly vulnerable groups of people including widows, children, the elderly, disabled and those without land in the districts of Bagerhat, Barisal, Gopalganj, Khulna and Madarapur.
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Relief International
1575 Westwood Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90024
November 16, 2007–In response to cyclone Sidr, Relief International’s Bangladesh Disaster and Risk Management Team is on the ground working closely with local government and NGO partners conducting assessments to identify gaps in emergency relief assistance. RI’s Rapid Emergency Deployment team is on standby at its Los Angeles headquarters until these current comprehensive evaluations have been completed. RI has been working in Bangladesh since 2004 and has well established programs including a comprehensive education network via its 27 Internet Learning Centers located in rural areas. |
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Save
the Children USA
Bangladesh Cyclone Relief,
54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880, 800-728-3843
November 16, 2007–Save the Children, which has worked in Bangladesh since 1972, is responding to the needs of thousands of families who fled their homes as a result of the deadly cyclone that struck Bangladesh on November 15. The agency is distributing 10,000 items including plastic sheeting, water containers, basic toiletries, eating and cooking supplies as well as 1,500 blankets and 10,000 water tablets. The agency helped families evacuate prior to the storm and dispatched 19 teams to assist in the response effort. The storm struck the Sundarbans area — immediately adjacent to Barisal, where Save the Children has extensive programs.
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U.S.
Fund for UNICEF
333 East 38th Street New York, NY 10016 1-800-4UNICEF
November 19, 2007–U.S. Fund for UNICEF is raising funds for UNICEF programs in Bangladesh. UNICEF is on the ground working in close collaboration with the government and other UN agencies. Focus is on water, sanitation and hygiene (jerry cans, water transport), health and nutrition (i.e. high energy biscuits), child protection (i.e. recreational kits) and education, and the provision of non-food items. Estimated immediate funding requirement is US$2,355.000.
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World Concern
19303 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133, 800-755-5022
November 20, 2007–World Concern, working in partnership with MAP International, is distributing water purificaion kits and providing basic medical assistance through community health workers to 10,000 families for 3 months in Barisal. |
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World Relief
7 E Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21202, 443-451-1900
November 19, 2007 – Partnering with Christian Service Society (CSS) on the ground in Bangladesh, World Relief will help deliver critical relief supplies to 6,900 families – approximately 34,500 people – in the worst hit Khulna and Dhaka regions. In the aftermath, food is scarce and many of those who lost their homes desperately need shelter, blankets and clothing. Relief teams will distribute rice, lentils, beans, salt, baby food, molasses, blankets and clothing to the most vulnerable families – an act of pure Christian compassion that speaks volumes to hurting families of all religious backgrounds.
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World
Vision
Bangladesh Cyclone Relief, P.O. Box 9716,
Federal Way, WA 98063-9176, 888-511-6548
November 16, 2007 – World Vision teams are already sheltering 20,000 people from the devastation of Hurricane Sidr.
Donations will provide urgent, lifesaving aid to these children and families, as well as others affected by this brutal storm. Donations will be used to provide emergency food, clean drinking water, blankets, warm clothing and more. Each donation of $100 provides enough supplies for an entire family. These gifts will also enable World Vision to stay in disaster-affected areas for the long haul, rebuilding communities and lives. |
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