Bangladesh building collapse leaves high death toll

World Vision Bangladesh provided emergency assistance following the devastating collapse of an eight-storey building in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on 24 April morning.

World Vision coordinated recruitment of blood donors and blood collection activities through a community-based organisation. Medical staff are also assisting at hospitals and local clinics. Fire-fighters and army personnel are leading the salvage operation with the help from police and volunteers.

At least 408 people have been confirmed dead and at least 2,444 injured have been rescued from the debris since the building caved in. The entire eight-storeys have been sandwiched into a two-storey height and hundreds of dead bodies are still thought to be trapped under the rubble; prompting fears that the death toll may rise significantly. Residents say that around 6,000 workers used to work in the four factories located inside the building.

World Vision’s emergency responders also provided basic supplies including 3600 bottles of mineral water, 1100 sachets of oral saline, 2700 packets of biscuits, 800 packets of cooked food, 408 packets of juice along with 90 kg bleaching powder, 100 bottles of rose water and 40 container air fresheners to victims and their relatives.

World Vision will continue to closely monitor the situation and offer assistance as needed. An assessment is being carried out to ascertain the needs of families impacted by the building collapse including the loss of livelihoods for those working in the garment factories within the building.