En partenariat avec ONU-Habitat, le Centre de Compétences Reconstruction (CCR) de la Coopération Suisse a organisé à Jacmel quatre semaines de formation sur les techniques modernes et méthodes de construction chainée au profit d’une vingtaine d’ingénieurs civils et techniciens en construction.

« On n’est pas prêts d’oublier les images que nous ont laissé les constructions qui ne respectent pas les normes en janvier 2010 dernier lors du tremblement de terre », a rappelé Charles Edner, un des participants.

24 hours after ‘Mahasen’ passed it can been seen that even though the worst has been avoided in the number of victims, the impact of the tropical storm could have long-term effects on the living conditions of the people. In Patharghata, the intervention area of Terre des hommes, the teams immediately got to work.

Last Thursday 16th May, at 9.30 a.m., ‘Mahasen’ swept through Bangladesh, killing ten people according to the first reports, injuring hundreds and causing widespread damage throughout the Gulf of Bengal.

In this issue

CCRIF and the Caribbean Development Bank Host Strategic Donor Meeting
CCRIF Events and Happenings Some snapshots
CCRIF Implements 2013
Extra-Regional Scholarship Application Process Update on 2013/14
CCRIF Policy Renewals

Following assessments, CARE emergency teams in Myanmar and Bangladesh found that Cyclone Mahasen caused little damage as it passed over coastal Bangladesh and spared Myanmar almost entirely.

“Thankfully, Cyclone Mahasen has not had the impact that we feared in Myanmar, but the Government’s and all stakeholders’ efforts and preparedness to respond have been laudable," said Brian Agland, CARE Country Director in Myanmar.

(Yangon, 20 May 2013) Tropical Storm Mahasen weakened and dissipated on 17 May, with Rakhine State spared any serious impact, according to the latest assessments undertaken by humanitarian agencies. “The Government responded decisively and proactively to the threat of the storm, taking steps to address the needs of the most vulnerable and provide safety for those most at risk, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies,” the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Ashok Nigam, said. The majority of over 100,000 people that were moved to safer places have returned voluntarily.

1. Bangladesh - Tropical Storm Mahasen struck southern districts on 16 May. The Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) is ongoing and preliminary findings are due to be presented tomorrow (21 May). 17 people have reportedly lost their lives, JNA results will provide a better understand of the impact of the cyclone on shelter and livelihoods.
   Source: PDC, OCHA Flash Update No. 7

Myanmar's victims of sectarian strife were spared the full force of Cyclone Mahasen, but many are now returning to flimsy tents in flood-prone camps with the rainy season just weeks away.

Dhaka, 19 May 2013 - While Tropical Storm Mahasen reached the coastline of Bangladesh on Thursday weaker than anticipated, the preparedness work undertaken by the Government and humanitarian partners saved countless lives.

Preliminary assessments from the Government indicate that some 1,280,000 people were affected with 13 lives lost. 10 districts were hit with in the wake of the storm. Early recovery support in terms of restoring livelihoods, shelter and providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene in localized areas is the priority now.