Braving the storm: Bangladesh responding to natural disasters

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Bangladesh is susceptible to a variety of disasters including cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, storm-surge, and flooding. In recent months, the country has endured several disasters, namely the early flash flood in the northeastern Haor areas, Cyclone Mora in the East-southern coastal belt, and the landslide in the hilly districts of Eastern Bangladesh. Water logging in cities and flooding in low area districts have been frequent in the country due to heavy rainfalls.

Flood

Heavy rainfall and runoff from India from the end of March until nearly April caused early flooding across more than half the Haor area in northeast Bangladesh, destroying the rice crop and fodder as well as killing fish and ducks.

People collecting paddy from inundated paddy field in Shonir Haor of Tahirpur sub-district, Sunamgonj district after losing all crops due to unusual excessive rains

Through its relief operations, World Vision has supported 500 affected families with multipurpose cash grants for food and restoration of livelihood.

“We have lost our main crop and had no way to get back to our daily normal life; we will purchase fish for small business, with the support received, to sustain our family," says a mother from an affected community.

Cyclone

On 30 May, Cyclonic Storm MORA, warning signal 10, made landfall in the southeast coast of Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh evacuated nearly 350,000 people from potential affected areas.

Houses damaged by Cyclone Mora

Around 1,112 people affected by the Cyclone Mora sought refuge in 5 World-Vision-operated cyclone shelters. World Vision, in collaboration with the government and other organizations provided dry food, drinking water and other food items to the people taking shelter.

World Vision Bangladesh, in collaboration with COAST Trust, has been working to support the affected people of Cyclone Mora in Sabrang, St. Martin and Kutubjom, Cox’s Bazar.

A beneficiary at the WV distribution centre

 A total of 300 most affected households have received unconditional cash support for food and nutrition. More than 250 households will soon receive aid in the ST. Martin union through the response.

Landslide

Landslides on 12 June triggered by heavy rains, in hilly districts of eastern part of Bangladesh, claimed at least 154 lives. In addition to the mudslides, rain caused flooding in low-lying areas, significantly damaging roads and communication infrastructure. Remote communities in Bandarban, Chittagong and Rangamati districts were cut off and remained without water, electricity, and food supplies for weeks.

WV assessment team in Bandarban

World Vision has started its response operation to meet the immediate needs of the affected people in 5 unions and 1 municipality of Bandarban, one of the worse landslide affected districts in the south eastern part of Bangladesh.

People affected by the landslide receiving aid at the relief distribution centre in Bandarban. World Vision distributed non-food items.

World Vision in partnership with Start Fund and BNKS, a local NGO, aim to reach 4868 beneficiaries (1423 affected households) in 5 most affected unions and 1 municipality.

The priority sectors include shelter, food security and WASH. 

Story by Himaloy Joseph Mree/ World Vision Bangladesh Communications Officer