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Red Cross on Scene as Cyclone Hits
Issuing early warning messages and mobilizing volunteers helped evacuate thousands before the cyclone hit
Jennifer Lubrani, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 —
Storm survivors wait for helicopters to arrive with relief supplies in Bangladesh.
(Photo: REUTERS/Rafiqur Rahman/ Courtesy of Alertnet.org)
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On Friday, November 16, Cyclone Sidr—with winds of up to 155 mph—hit the southern coast of Bangladesh, causing a 16-foot tidal surge. With reportedly more than 3,000 fatalities and over 5,000 injured, and with these numbers expected to rise, the American Red Cross was quick to respond to the people of Bangladesh that were affected by Cyclone Sidr.
The American Red Cross provided more than $1.2 million in financial assistance to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. This included a $1 million grant from USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance for clean water and emergency shelter.
Once the water and sanitation needs are identified, the American Red Cross will mobilize a specialist in the region to produce and transport safe drinking water and to promote good hygiene practices to prevent water-borne diseases.
"Safe drinking water is always a problem as a surge in water levels leads to contamination of ponds," affirms Matuir Rahman, deputy director in-charge, Relief Department, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
A Country Vulnerable to Natural Disasters
Slightly smaller than the state of Wisconsin, Bangladesh is one of the most disaster- prone countries of the world. This southern Asian country is vulnerable to droughts, floods, tidal surges, tsunamis and cyclones. The same communities that were struck by Cyclone Sidr on Friday, November 16, were also affected by the December 2004 tsunami.
Today, four days after the cyclone hit, thousands are still reported missing. With impassable roads and communications infrastructures down, damage assessments in some areas may not happen for days to come.
Preparing for Disaster
Before the cyclone hit, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, working with sister Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, were preparing for its impact. They deployed more than 40,000 volunteers to help people prepare for the disaster, which included disseminating early warning messages, mobilizing prepositioned relief supplies and helping to evacuate thousands of people. These trained volunteers are credited with playing an important role in helping to move those at risk into some of the 2,000 cyclone shelters in the area.
These and other disaster preparedness activities are essential in helping to save thousands of lives.
Related Links:
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
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