Disaster

Earlier today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Bangladesh signed an agreement to launch a USD 14.444 million initiative, aimed at substantially reducing the impact of natural and man-made disasters on the people of Bangladesh over the next five years.
UNDP contributed USD 6.340 million towards the initiative, while the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) gave a further USD 8.104 million through UNDP.

Bangladesh, one of the world's most densely populated countries, is prone to frequent disasters including, cyclones,

The context
Cyclone One Bravo hit the South Eastern coast of Bangladesh on 19 May . Approximately one million people took refuge in cyclone shelters, thereby significantly reducing potential loss of life. The Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) with its effective volunteer network, warning system and awareness campaigns played a major role in ensuring the population's evacuation to safety. The cyclone left a trail of devastation along the 200 km. coastal belt between Chittagong and Teknaf, at the southern tip of Bangladesh:

BANGLADESH, June 23, 1997 -- One month after a strong cyclone hit the
southeast coast of Bangladesh, CARE has completed relief operations reaching
14,000 families and is now assessing the need for reconstruction programs.

New York, June 3, 1997 -- Amid widespread destruction but limited loss of life,
church aid came quickly to areas of Bangladesh hit by a cyclone the third week in
May. A local agency, the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh,
sent a team to the affected areas one day after the storm and is handling food,
medicine, blankets and other emergency items. Lutheran World Relief is
providing $30,000 for the local relief effort including $5,000 from LCMS World
Relief.

The greatest need of those affected by Cyclone Bravo One is for assistance with the reconstruction of their homes . The BDRCS has now presented a detailed budget for its reconstruction programme that will provide support for rebuilding cyclone resistant homes to 6,000 families over the next four months, plus emergency food for 35,000 for a ten day period.
The context

Cyclone "One Bravo" hit the south-eastern coast of Bangladesh on 19 May 1997. Although it struck during daylight and at low tide, enabling most people to react and reach safety,

Reports from Bangladesh say many of the one-million people left homeless by Monday's cyclone are desperate for food and water.

Former Bangladeshi prime minister and main opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia said the majority of the affected areas -- including the region of Chittagong -- were yet to receive aid from a government-backed programme.

Rescue workers said aid was yet to reach 60 storm-hit islands because of rough seas and the Independent daily said four people were injured in a food riot on the island of Kutubdia.

The latest figures from the government

Bangladesh Cyclone - ASBD71

Appeal Target : US$ 628,080

Geneva, 21 May 1997

Dear Friends,

A severe cyclone hit the coast of Bangladesh Monday, 19 May. Winds of up to 180 - 200 kph hit areas around Cox's Bazar and Teknaf. The cyclone and subsequent storm surge has displaced up to half a million people from low lying areas along the coast and on near-by islands. Government sources confirmed 112 deaths on Wednesday, 21 May but unofficial sources claim the number will be higher. However, it seems the loss of lives

CYCLONE SURVIVORS RETURN HOME

Atlanta, May 22, 1997 -- As people return to their destroyed coastal homes in Chittagong,Bangladesh, CARE is working with local Bangladeshi organizations to distribute supplies to families as they pick up the pieces of their lives. One hundred people are confirmed dead and 750 fishermen are reported missing in the Bay of Bengal.

CARE is distributing to 14,000 families:

• plastic and bamboo materials for temporary shelter
• materials for storing and purifying water
• oral

Geneva, 21 May 1997

Dear Friends,

A severe cyclone hit the coast of Bangladesh on Monday, 19 May. Where it was worst winds of up to 180 - 200 kph hit towns and villages leaving up to 800,000 people homeless in low lying areas along the coast and on nearby islands. Government sources confirmed 67 deaths on Tuesday, but unofficial sources claim the number will be higher. However, it seems the loss of lives has been much less than what was anticipated. Unofficial reports available indicate that almost all kutcha houses