Bangladesh - Cyclonic Storm/Tidal Surge/Floods Jun 1987 UNDRO Situation Reports 1-15

UNDRO 87/1279
BANGLADESH - CYCLONIC STORM/TIDAL SURGE
UNDRO INFORMATION REPORT NO. 1
10 JUNE 1987

1. ON 5 JUNE MIDNIGHT A DEEP DEPRESSION (PREVIOUSLY FORMED IN BAY OF BENGAL) CROSSED HATIYA, SWANDWIP, PATUAKHALI, BHOLA REGION AS A CYCLONIC STORM ACCOMPANIED BY TIDAL WAVE UP TO 6 FEET ABOVE NORMAL AND INUNDATED LOW-LYING ISLANDS.

2. HEAVY RAINS IN ENTIRE SOUTHERN REGION CAUSED FLASH FLOODS IN A FEW AREAS.

3. ALTHOUGH LOSS OF LIFE AVERTED BY BANGLADESH GOVT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES, TIDAL SURGE CAUSED LOSS OF CATTLE AND PROPERTY. STANDING CROPS IN ABOUT 50,000 ACRES REPORTEDLY UNDER FLOODWATER.

4. TO DATE GOVT HAS NOT REQUESTED INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD)

UNDRO 87/1688

BANGLADESH - CYCLONIC STORM/TIDAL SURGE
UNDRO INFORMATION REPORT NO. 2
31 JULY 1987

SITUATION

1. HEAVY RAINS HAVE CAUSED FLASH FLOOD IN LOW-LYING AREAS OF NORTHWESTERN REGION (MAINLY GREATER RANGPUR DISTRICT) NOAKHALI, MYMENSING, SYLHET. CROPS IN THESE AREAS UNDER WATER.

2. GOVT HAS TAKEN PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AND SITUATION UNDER CONTROL. TOTAL DAMAGE BEING ASSESSED.

3. RED CROSS BANGLADESH IS PROVIDING VICTIMS WITH MILK POWDER, CLOTH, COOKING AND EATING UTENSILS, BISCUITS AND MEDICINES.

4. TO DATE GOVT HAS NOT REQUESTED INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD)

UNDRO 87/1707

BANGLADESH - CYCLONIC STORM/TIDAL SURGE/FLOODS
UNDRO INFORMATION REPORT NO. 3
03 AUGUST 1987

1. OVERALL FLOOD SITUATION HAS SERIOUSLY DETERIORATED FOLLOWING HEAVY RAINS 30/31 JULY AND ONRUSH FLOOD WATER FROM UPPER REGION. WORST AFFECTED DISTRICTS RANGPUR, NETROKONA, GAIBANDHA, NOAGAON, KURIGRAM, JAMLPUR, COX'S BAZAR, CHITTAGONG AND NOAKHALI. ABOUT 3.5 MILLION PEOPLE REPORTED AFFECTED AND APPROX. 650,000 ACRES CROPS CONSIDERABLY DAMAGED. ROAD LINK FROM CAPITAL TO NORTH-EASTERN REGION DISRUPTED DUE OVERFLOW WATER AND COLLAPSE OF CULVERTS. MOST MAJOR RIVERS ABOVE DANGER LEVEL, AND MANY PROTECTION ENBANKMENTS HAVE BEEN GREATLY DAMAGED.

2. GOVT UNDERTAKING MASS EVACUATION PROGRAMME AND PROVIDING RELIEF GOODS AND TEMPORARY SHELTERS TO FLOOD VICTIMS. A SPECIAL FLOOD-MONITORING UNIT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.

3. FURTHER RAINS COULD WORSEN SITUATION.

4. TO DATE GOVT HAS NOT REQUESTED INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD 87 (1))

UNDRO 87/1749

BANGLADESH - CYCLONIC STORM/TIDAL SURGE/FLOODS
UNDRO INFORMATION REPORT NO. 4
06 AUGUST 1987

UNDRO/UNDP REPRESENTATIVE GIVES FOLLOWING UPDATE:

SITUATION

1. ESTIMATED DAMAGE IN 179 UPAZILAS IN 30 DISTRICTS ENGULFED BY FLOODS: 104 DEATHS REPORTED AND APPROX 7.8 MILLION PEOPLE AFFECTED. APPROX 10,000 SQ. MILES FLOODED, 744,000 ACRES CROPS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND 697,000 ACRES PARTIALLY DAMAGED.

2. 520-MILE-LONG FLOOD PROTECTION EMBANKMENT COMPLETELY WASHED AWAY IN 27 PLACES.

3. MANY UNPAVED ROADS DAMAGED. BRIDGE DESTRUCTION HAS DISRUPTED ROAD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CAPITAL AND NORTHWESTERN REGION, AND GOVT USING MILITARY FORCES TO INSTALL TEMPORARY BAILEY BRIDGES. MAIN HIGHWAYS STILL INUNDATED.

4. RAIN HAS STOPPED BUT MAJOR RIVERS STILL ABOVE DANGER LEVEL. IF FLOOD WATER ENTERS FROM INDIAN UPSTREAM OR EVEN IF NORMAL AUGUST RAINS OCCUR, SITUATION COULD DETERIORATE FURTHER.

RELIEF OPERATIONS

5. GOVT RELIEF OPERATIONS CONTINUING, WITH ASSISTANCE LOCAL RED CROSS SOCIETY AND OTHER VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS.

6. IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE REQUIRED TO DISTRIBUTE CROPSEEDS TO AFFECTED FARMERS. ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE TO IMPORT CROPSEEDS WITH HELP USAID.

7. GOVT AND WHO ARRANGING FOR APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY MEDICINES.

8. ALTHOUGH GOVT FOOD STOCKS CONSIDERED SATISFACTORY, WFP HAS BEEN ALERTED FOR ADDITIONAL FOOD SUPPORT IN CASE OF FUTURE SHORTAGES.

9. TO DATE GOVT HAS NOT REQUESTED INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD '87 (1))

UNDRO 87/1781

BANGLADESH - CYCLONIC STORM/TIDAL SURGE/FLOODS
UNDRO INFORMATION REPORT NO. 5
12 AUGUST 1987

SITUATION

1. GOVT ESTIMATES 245 UPAZILAS AND 10 MUNICIPALITIES IN 39 DISTRICTS FLOODED. 126 DEATHS REPORTED DUE PRIMARILY COLLAPSE OF HOUSES OR DROWNING. APPROX 11.67 MILLION PEOPLE AFFECTED.

2. APPROX 770 MILES FLOOD PROTECTION EMBANKMENT WHOLLY DESTROYED. TOTAL SURFACE AFFECTED 12,600 SQ. MILES. 1.1 MILLION ACRES CROPS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND 1.07 MILLION ACRES CROPS PARTIALLY DESTROYED.

3. ALL MAJOR RIVERS STILL ABOVE DANGER LEVEL.

RELIEF OPERATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

4. GOVT CONTINUING TO DISTRIBUTE FREE WHEAT, CASH, CLOTHING, BISCUITS AND MILK POWDER. KITCHENS DISTRIBUTING HOT FOOD TO EVACUATED PEOPLE AT ALL FLOOD SHELTERS.

5. MINISTRY OF RELIEF REPRESENTATIVE HAS INFORMALLY INDICATED NEED FOR ADDITIONAL 680,000 TONS FOOD GRAIN TO FEED AFFECTED POPULATIONS OVER NEXT 2 MONTHS EVEN AFTER THEIR RETURN HOME.

6. GOVT PREDICTS SHORTAGE AMAN (RICE) SEED NEEDED TO REPLACE TRANSPLANTED AMAN LOST BY FLOODS. FAO AND USAID ASSISTANCE MAY BE REQUESTED FOR VEGETABLE AND WHEAT SEEDS.

7. OUTBREAKS OF DIARRHOEA ANTICIPATED WHEN FLOODING RECEDES. WHO EXPECTS NEW CONSIGNMENT OF MEDICINES NEXT FEW DAYS.

8. GOVT STUDYING NEED FOR MATERIALS FOR IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF CHOKED-UP TUBEWELLS IN AFFECTED AREAS.

9. OVERALL RELIEF EFFORTS APPEAR TO NEED HELP, BUT TO DATE GOVT HAS NOT REQUESTED INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

UNDRO 87/1795

BANGLADESH - CYCLONIC STORM/TIDAL SURGE/FLOODS
UNDRO INFORMATION REPORT NO. 6
14 AUGUST 1987

SITUATION

1. CRITICAL AND NOT IMPROVING, EXCEPT IN SOUTHEASTERN HILL BASIN.

2. GOVT WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD PREDICTS FURTHER INCREASE WATER LEVEL MAINLY IN GANGES AND BRAHMAPUTRA BASIN.

3. CASUALTIES NOW PUT AT 215 DEATHS.

RELIEF OPERATIONS

4. WORLD VISION HAS APPROVED A US DLRS 60,000 FOOD-FOR-WORK PROJECT FOR 900 FAMILIES IN 3 COMMUNITIES.

5. WCC PARTNER CCDB HAS SENT TEAMS FOR SURVEY AND RELIEF WITH LIMITED OWN MEANS.

6. GERMAN CARITAS HAS APPROVED DM 100,000 FOR CARITAS BANGLADESH RELIEF/REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES.

7. BANGLADESH RED CROSS, OPERATING ALL FLOODED AREAS WITH 1,200 VOLUNTEERS AND 45 PAID STAFF, DISTRIBUTING FOOD, CLOTHING AND MEDICINES.

8. UNDRO/UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORTING DAILY ON DEVELOPMENTS SITUATION AND OUTCOME OF MEETINGS OF UNITED NATIONS INTER-AGENCY WORKING GROUP ON DISASTER.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD '87 (1))

UNDRO 87/1824

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 7
19 AUGUST 1987

GENERAL

1. GOVT NOW OFFICIALLY REQUESTING INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE, PREFERABLY IN FORM OF FOOD AND CASH, AND HAS ASKED UNDRO TO ASSIST IN MOBILIZING INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT.

2. LOCAL UN INTER-AGENCY WORKING GROUP CONSULTING WITH GOB AND REPRESENTATIVES NGO AND DONOR COMMUNITY TO ARRIVE AT CONCERTED ASSESSMENT OF UNCOVERED EMERGENCY NEEDS. UNDRO WILL COMMUNICATE THESE NEEDS AS SOON AS RECEIVED. FOR THOSE DONORS WISHING TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY, CASH CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MEANWHILE RECOMMENDED. SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH UNDRO, WHICH WILL ENSURE IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH UNDRO/UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE.

SITUATION

3. CONDITIONS WORSENING IN DINAJPUR, AND ONRUSH UPSTREAM WATERS FROM BRAHMAPUTRA BASIN HAS NOW SUBMERGED NEW AREAS IN PABNA AND TANGAIL DISTRICTS.

4. SIMILAR SITUATION IN GANGES BASIN WHERE FRESH FLOODS IN RAJBARI, MANIKGANJ AND FARIDPUR.

5. IN GANGES AND BRAHMAPUTRA BASINS WATER STILL ABOVE DANGER LEVELS AT ALL MAJOR POINTS AND MAY RISE FURTHER DUE ADDITIONAL IN-FLOW FROM UPSTREAM INDIA.

6. SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF AMAN RICE EXPECTED BUT COULD BE MINIMIZED IF FLOODING RECEDED IMMEDIATELY AND REPLANTING EFFECTED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER.

RELIEF OPERATIONS

7. GOB FURTHER STRENGTHENING RELIEF OPERATIONS WITHIN LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE. MINISTRY AGRICULTURE PLANNING IMPORTANT REHABILITATION PROGRAMME VALUED AT 120 MILLION TAKA (US DLRS 4 MILLION). SINCE HIGH-YIELD VARIETIES AMAN SEED BEDS IN APPROX 65,000 ACRES COMPLETELY DAMAGED, ARRANGEMENTS MADE TO DISTRIBUTE INDIGENOUS VARIETY SEEDS BUT GOVT STOCKS EXHAUSTED. SOME ASSISTANCE CROP SEEDS EXPECTED FROM USAID AND FAO. GOB ALSO ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE WINTER WHEAT AND RABI CROP PRODUCTION.

8. OVERALL GOVT FOOD RESERVES SATISFACTORY AT ONE MILLION TONS, BUT MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED DEPENDING ON FREE EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION REQUIRED. ASSISTANCE TO REPLENISH DEPLETED STOCKS LIKELY TO BE REQUESTED.

9. SO FAR 2 DEATHS AND 1,285 CASES DIAHRROEA REPORTED MAINLY IN MOST AFFECTED AREAS OF BOGRA AND GAIBANDHA. GOVT HAS ASSIGNED 20 MEDICAL TEAMS FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT. WHO EXPECTING IMMEDIATE DELIVERY CONSIGMENT OF WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS, BLEACHING POWDER AND ORS.

10. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORRESPONDING VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD '87 (1))

UNDRO 87/1835

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 8
21 AUGUST 1987

GENERAL

1. NO SIGNIFICANT FURTHER DETERIORATION FLOODING REPORTED SINCE SITREP NO.7, BUT NO IMPROVEMENT EXPECTED EITHER UNTIL MID. NEXT WEEK EARLIEST.

2. GOB CONTINUING IDENTIFICATION AND SPECIFICATIONS OF UNCOVERED EMERGENCY NEEDS IN CONSULTATION WITH UNDRO/UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES DONOR COMMUNITY. THIS ASSESSMENT, NOW EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE BY MONDAY 24/08, WILL BE COMMUNICATED BY UNDRO AS SOON AS RECEIVED.

3. DONORS MAY WISH TO TAKE THIS ASSESSMENT INTO ACCOUNT WHEN PLANNING FURTHER CONTRIBUTIONS.

4. CONTRIBUTIONS REPORTED

1. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORRESPONDING VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

(DPR 310 BGD '87 (1))

UNDRO 87/1846

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 9
24 AUGUST 1987

I - GENERAL

1. SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT OBSERVED IN NORTHWESTERN PARTS OF COUNTRY AS FLOODWATERS THERE STARTING TO RECEDE AND MOVING DOWNSTREAM TOWARDS DHAKA AND SURROUNDING AREAS. SITUATION STILL CRITICAL IN CENTRAL DISTRICTS OF FARIDPUR, RAJBARI, MUNSHIGANJ, MADARIPUR AND SHARIATPUR. AS RAINFALL ALL OVER BANGLADESH EXPECTED TO BE LIGHT TO MODERATE AND NOT LIKELY TO AFFECT OVERALL FLOOD SITUATION, WATER LEVELS IN ALL MAJOR RIVER BASINS PROBABLY RECEDING COMING DAYS.

II - RELIEF CO-ORDINATION

2. FURTHER CO-ORDINATION MEETING BETWEEN GOB AND BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL DONOR REPRESENTATIVES HELD ON 23/08. UPDATED INFORMATION ON DAMAGE SUSTAINED (SEE PARA 4), RELIEF OPERATIONS IN PROCESS (SEE PARA 5) AND BROAD CATEGORIES OF RELIEF SUPPLIES REQUESTED BY GOB (SEE PARA 6) PROVIDED BY RELIEF MINISTRY BUT MINISTRY NOT YET IN POSITION TO COMMUNICATE EXACT QUANTITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS OF UNCOVERED EMERGENCY NEEDS.

3. UNDRO SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISORY MISSION DEPARTING FOR BANGLADESH TO ASSIST GOB AND UNDRO/UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE IN EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURES AND NEEDS RESULTING THEREFROM. MISSION FINANCED BY UK GOVT.

III - CASUALTIES AND DAMAGES

4. LATEST STATISTICS PROVIDED BY GOB AS FOLLOWS:

IV - RELIEF OPERATIONS

5. RELIEF OPERATIONS STRENGTHENED BY ASSISTANCE FROM BGD RED CROSS WHICH DISTRIBUTING EMERGENCY FOOD, CLOTHING AND COOKING SETS. ARMY MEDICAL AND RESCUE TEAMS PROVIDING EVACUATION AND FIRST AID.

V - RELIEF NEEDS

6. GOB HAS COMMUNICATED FOLLOWING LISTING OF RELIEF MATERIALS URGENTLY REQUIRED:

- FOOD AID: 220,000 MT (MEANWHILE PROBABLY PLEDGED)
- CORRUGATED IRON SHEETING: 5,000 MT
- CASH FOR HOUSING RECONSTRUCTION: 13.3 MILLION US DLRS
- 5 HELICOPTERS (LIKELY TO BE PROVIDED BY IRAQ)
- 50 SPEED BOATS
- 50 RUBBER DINGHIES
- WIRELESS COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

VI - CONTRIBUTIONS

1. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORRESPONDING VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

DPR 310 BGD '87 (1)

UNDRO 87/1870

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 10
27 AUGUST 1987

I - GENERAL AND RELIEF CO-ORDINATION

1. CONTRARY TO EARLIER EXPECTATIONS, SITUATION NOT IMPROVING DUE ADDITIONAL HEAVY RAINFALL IN NORTHERN CATCHMENT AND SOUTHERN COASTAL REGIONS. WATER IN GANGES BASIN STILL ABOVE DANGER LEVEL.

2. AT REQUEST UN SECRETARY-GENERAL AND ON INVITATION GOB, DISASTER RELIEF CO-ORDINATOR DEPARTING FOR BANGLADESH 30/8. UNDRO EMERGENCY TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT MISSION (SITREP NO. 9 PARA 3) NOW STRENGTHENED BY CIVIL ENGINEER IN RIVER HYDROLOGY AND DAM CONSTRUCTION, MADE AVAILABLE BY SWISS DISASTER RELIEF UNIT.

3. UNDRO/UNDP RESREP RECONFIRMS CASH CONTRIBUTIONS CHANNELLED THROUGH UNDRO FOR LOCAL PROCUREMENT ESSENTIAL RELIEF ITEMS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED/SUPERVISED BY JOINT UNDP/GOB TENDER COMMITTEE. FREQUENT GOB/DONOR CO-ORDINATION MEETINGS CONTINUING. TO STRENGTHEN DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION GOB HAS FORMED DISTRICT LEVEL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEES AND HAS ALLOCATED US DLRS 66 MILLION FROM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BUDGET FOR INITIAL REHABILITATION.

II - CASUALTIES AND DAMAGES

- DISTRICTS AFFECTED: 51
- UPAZILAS/MUNICIPALITIES AFFECTED: 347/15
- TOTAL AFFECTED POPULATION: 20.9 MILLION
- DEATHS: 484
- CASES OF DIARRHOEA REPORTED: 88,000
- AMAN CROP FULLY DAMAGED: 2.46 MILLION ACRES
- AMAN CROP PARTIALLY DAMAGED: 1.46 MILLION ACRES
- EMBANKMENTS DAMAGED: 1,100 MILES
- ROADS FULLY DAMAGED: 11,500 MILES
- ROADS PARTIALLY DAMAGED: 6,550 MILES
- HOUSES FULLY DAMAGED: 698,000
- HOUSES PARTIALLY DAMAGED: 1,000,000
- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FULLY/PARTIALLY DAMAGED: 2,500
- BRIDGES/CULVERTS FULLY DAMAGED: 1,004
- BRIDGES/CULVERTS PARTIALLY DAMAGED: 476

III - AGRICULTURE

4. OUT OF ANNUAL PRODUCTION TARGET OF 17.5 MILLION TONS AND DEPENDING ON EXTENT OF DAMAGE TO STANDING CROPS, TOTAL NET LOSS AT THIS STAGE ESTIMATED AT 1.44 MILLION TONS FOR PERIOD JULY/DEC 87. PRICE OF COARSE GRAINS ON OPEN MARKET INCREASING RAPIDLY AND HEAVY DEMAND ON GOB FOOD RESERVES ANTICIPATED. ACCORDINGLY, PRECARIOUS FOOD POSITION LIKELY FOR PERIOD NOV 87 THROUGH FEB 88.

5. LATEST ESTIMATE SHOWS ADDITIONAL 435,000 METRIC TONS (CONTRARY TO EARLIER ESTIMATE OF 220,000 TONS) URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR PERIOD SEPT 87-FEB 88 FOR VULNERABLE GROUP FEEDING, OTHER WELFARE ACTIVITIES AND FOOD FOR WORK PROGRAMMES. OF THIS AMOUNT 200,000 MT MUST ARRIVE BEFORE DEC 1987 IN ORDER MAINTAIN STOCK POSITION AT REASONABLE LEVEL.

IV - HEALTH

6. MINISTRY OF HEALTH REPORTS 1,600 MEDICAL TEAMS WORKING IN EMERGENCY SHELTER CAMPS IN AFFECTED AREAS. 400 LOCAL FAMILY WELFARE CENTRES, 150 SUB-DISTRICT HEALTH COMPLEXES, 40 DISTRICT HOSPITALS AND 15 REGIONAL HEALTH TRAINING CENTRES BADLY AFFECTED.

7. IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT 13 ESSENTIAL DRUGS, ESTIMATED AT US DLRS 3 MILLION, IDENTIFIED TO REPLENISH DIMINISHED GOVT STOCKS. SOME ITEMS (ORS, TETRACYCLINE, AMPICILLIN, PARACETAMOL AND CHOLERA VACCINE) CAN BE PROCURED LOCALLY. OTHERS TO BE IMPORTED. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: US DLRS 4.8 MILLION FOR RESTORATION ESSENTIAL SER-SERVICES AND US DLRS 16.3 FOR REPAIRS TO DAMAGED HEALTH INFRA-STRUCTURE.

1. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORRESPONDING VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

DPR 310 BGD '87 (1)

UNDRO 87/1907

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 11
01 SEPTEMBER 1987

I - GENERAL

1. DURING END LAST WEEK TROPICAL STORM MOVED INTO BAY OF BENGAL AFFECTING AREAS SOUTH AND SOUTH-EASTERN BANGLADESH NOT PREVIOUSLY AFFECTED BY FLOOD. HEAVY RAINFALL CAUSED SEVERE FLASH FLOODS IN DISTRICTS BARISAL, COX'S BAZAR AND CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS.

2. ELSEWHERE SITUATION SLIGHTLY IMPROVING FOLLOWING RECESSION FLOODSWATERS AND CALM WHEATHER EXPECTED NEXT FEW DAYS.

3. UNDRO CO-ORDINATOR DEPARTED FOR BANGLADESH TODAY, AFTER MEETING WITH VICE-PRESIDENT GOB IN GENEVA YESTERDAY. UNDRO/UNDP REPRESENTATIVE OVERFLEW SOME AFFECTED AREAS AND CONFIRMS MOST RICE PRODUCING FIELDS STILL INUNDATED.

II - FOOD

4. HEAVY DEMAND ON GOVT FOOD RESERVES, WHICH AT PRESENT ESTIMATED AT 900,000 MT, EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR PERIOD SEPT-DEC. AT LEAST 367,000 MT AT THIS STAGE ESTIMATED NECESSARY FOR DISTRIBUTION THROUGH RELIEF CHANNELS. EXPLORING GOB REQUEST FOR FOOD AID AMOUNTING TO 435,000 MT MENTIONED SITREP 10 PARA 5. MINISTRY OF FOOD REVIEWING SITUATION WITH MAJOR FOOD AID DONORS ON 71/8.

III - HEALTH

5. MIN HEALTH REPORTS CASES OF DIARRHOEAL DISEASE INCREASED TO 156,500 WITH 14 DEATHS. MORE THAN 2,100 MEDICAL TEAMS DEPLOYED BY GOB AND WORKING IN RELIEF CAMPS IN ADDITION TO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY BANGLADESH RED CROSS AND NGOS. GOB REQUESTING ASSISTANCE ONLY IN TERMS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES SINCE PRESENT STOCK CONSIDERED HIGHLY INADEQUATE TO COMBAT RISK OF EPIDEMICS.

6. FOREIGN MEDICAL TEAMS NOT REQUIRED AT THIS STAGE AS ADEQUATE TECHNICAL STAFF AVAILABLE IN COUNTRY.

7. LISTS OF MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS BEING REVIEWED WITH WHO AND UNICEF.

IV - RELIEF OPERATIONS BY NGOS

8. LRCS AND BDRCS REPORTING REGULAR ON THIS RELIEF OPERATIONS WHICH COMPRISE EMERGENCY MEDICAL CASE AND FREE DISTRIBUTION OF EMERGENCY FOOD AND CLOTHING. BDRCS INDICATES URGENT NEED FOR CASH FOR LOCAL PURCHASE OF CEREALS, BISCUITS, WATER PURIFYING TABLETS, MEDICINES AGAINST GASTROENTERITIS, PARACETAMOL AND MILK-POWDER.

9. CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS HAS LAUNCHED APPEAL FOR US DLRS 1.16 MILLION FOR VARIOUS RELIEF PROGRAMMES INCLUDING CROP RECOVERY AND SEEDS, EMERGENCY SHELTER AND LOGISTICS.

10. LIKEWISE, WORLD COUNCIL FO CHURCHES (CICARWS) HAS LAUNCHED APPEAL FOR US DLRS 250,000 FOR FOOD RELIEF, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE DISTRIBUTION OF CLOTHING.

V - CONTRIBUTIONS (SINCE SITREP NO. 10)

TOTAL VALUE OF CONTRIBUTIONS IN CASH AND IN KIND REPORTED TO UNDRO: US DLRS 13 MILLION.

12. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORRESPONDING VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

DPR 310 BGD '87 (1)

UNDRO 87/1935

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 12
7 SEPTEMBER 1987

I GENERAL

1. CO-ORDINATOR HAD MEETINGS WITH UN AGENCIES AND GOB AUTHORITITES, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT, MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, FINANCE, HEALTH, AGRICULTURE AND PLANNING ON FLOOD SITUATION, RELIEF ACTIVITIES AND NEEDS. ON 3 SEPTEMBER CO-ORDINATOR PARTICIPATED IN FOURTH LOCAL DONOR MEETING AND NEXT DAY MADE SEVEN-HOUR HELICOPTER TRIP TO FLOODED AREAS. CO-ORDINATOR PRESENTLY IN NEW YORK TO BRIEF SECRETARY-GENERAL ON HIS MISSION.

2. OVERALL IMPRESSION ON BASIS ABOVE FULLY CONFIRMS EXCEPTIONAL MAGNITUDE AND GRAVITY FLOODS. RAINFALL DURING PERIOD MODERATE TO HEAVY OVER DIFFERENT PARTS OF COUNTRY, CAUSING SLOW-DOWN OF RECESSION WATER LEVELS. FLOOD VICTIMS REPORTED TO RETURNING HOME IN SOME PARTS TO REPAIR HOUSES AND SALVAGE POSSESSIONS. NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OF WEATHER PATTERN FORECASTED. POSSIBILITY HOWEVER OF FRESH FLOODS MID-SEPTEMBER CANNOT BE DISCARDED.

3. GOB DEEPLY CONCERNED BY MASSIVE RECONSTRUCTIONS TASK COMPARED TO AVAILABLE MEANS. FLOOD IMPACT ON NATIONAL ECONOMY PARTICULARLY FEARED IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR GIVEN ITS KEY ROLE IN CURRENT 5 YEAR PLAN. ANTICIPATED FOOD IMPORTS OF SOME 500,000 TONS WILL PLACE HEAVY BURDEN ON COUNTRY'S FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES. INTERNALLY DAMAGE TO CROPS LEAVING MILLIONS OF SEASONAL LABOURERS JOBLESS.

4. GOB CONSIDERS FOLLOWING IMMEDIATE ACTIVITIES AS PRIORITIES:

- FOOD FOR VICTIMS

- REPAIR OF HOUSES, TEMPORARY SHELTER INCLUDING CLOTHING AND BLANKETS

- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AGAINST OUTBREAK DISEASES

- REPAIR OF INFRASTRUCTURE ESSENTIAL FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND TRANSPLANTATION SEEDLINGS UNTIL 15 SEPTEMBER

- CATTLE PROTECTION MEASURES AS DRAUGHT ANIMALS VITAL FOR TRANSPLANTATION.

5. UNDRO EXPERTS STARTING SERIES OF AIRBORNE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TRIPS THIS WEEK.

II CASUALTIES AND DAMAGES

6. DATA BELOW REFLECTS SITUATION 3 SEPTEMBER AS COMMUNICATED BY FLOOD MONITORING CELL OF PRESIDENT'S SECRETARIAT FOR FOURTH DONOR MEETING:

- DISTRICTS AFFECTED: 50

- NO. OF UPAZILAS/MUNICIPALITIES AFFECTED: 335/17

- TOTAL AREAS UNDER FLOOD WATER: 18,972 SQ. MILES

- TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE AFFECTED: 23.22 MILLION

- CROPS DAMAGED:

A) 2.53 MILLION ACRES (AMAN) FULLY
B) 1.92 MILLION ACRES (AMAN) PARTIALLY

- HOUSES DAMAGED:

939,557 FULLY
790,762 PARTIALLY

- TOTAL DEATHS: 570

- CATTLE DEATHS: 24,880

- ROADS:

A) 15,208 KM (UNPAVED) AND 1,693 KM (PAVED) FULLY DAMAGED

- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION:

1090 FULLY DAMAGED
1520 PARTIALLY DAMAGED

- BRIDGES/CULVERTS: 1100 FULLY

III RELIEF CO-ORDINATION

7. GOB APPOINTED CENTRAL CO-ORDINATION UNIT AFTER 22 AUGUST REALIZING SEVERITY FLOODS BEYOND NATIONAL RESOURCES. EXTERNAL RESOURCES DEPT. ERD, OF MINFINANCE, HEADED BY PERMANENT SECRETARY FOCAL POINT FOR INTERNATIONAL RELIEF ASSISTANCE. ERD ALSO LEAD ELEMENT IN UN/GOB DISASTER WORKING GROUP COMPOSED OF: UNDP/UNDRO, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, WMO, MINISTRY OF RELIEF AND REHABILITATION, MINAGRICULTURE, MINISTRY OF FOOD AND BANGLADESH WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD. IN ADDITION FLOOD MONITORING CELL ATTACHED TO PRESIDENT'S SECRETARIAT UNDER PRINCIPLE STAFF OFFICER TO SUPREME COMMANDER, RECEIVES, COMPILATES AND DIFFUSES FLOOD RELATED INFORMATION.

8. INDIVIDUAL MINISTRIES CONTINUING DAMAGE AND REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT PROCESS RESPECTIVE SECTORS. SO FAR EXTENT FLOODS AND HIGH WATER LEVELS PREVENT OVERALL QUANTIFIED DAMAGE EVALUATION, CONSEQUENTLY EXACT LIST RELIEF REQUIREMENTS NEEDED FROM INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICTY NOT YET ESTABLISHED. MINISTRIES AGRICULTURE/HEALTH HAVE PREPARED QUANTIFIED PRIORITY NEEDS AND SUBMITTED TO ERD. CONSOLIDATED LIST CURRENTLY PREPARED AND EXPECTED THIS WEEK.

IV FOOD

9. WFP CONFIRMED AT DONOR MEETING GOB FOOD NEEDS AS REPORTED UNDRO SITREP NO.11, PARA 4, WFP ALSO ADVISED FIRM PLEDGES AGAINST THIS NEED AMOUNTING TO 150,000 TONS. SHORTFALL: 280,000 TONS.

10. CONCERNING PORT SITUATION GOB INFORMED CO-ORDINATOR OF SETTING UP SPECIAL TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE SMOOTH HANDLING OF ALL RELIEF SHIPMENTS.

V HEALTH

11. DIARRHOERAL CASES RISEN TO 160,000. ALSO POCKETS MALARIA OUTBREAKS REPORTED. WITH REFERENCE TO UNDRO SITREP NO. 11, PARA 6 REPEAT NO NEED FOREIGN MEDICAL TEAMS.

12. WHO REGIONAL OFFICE COMMUNICATED LIST OF 13 ESSENTIAL DRUGS ESTIMATED AT 3 MILLION USD.

A) CAPSUL TETRACYCLINE 30 MILLION.
B) CAPSULE AMPICILLIN 15 MILLION.
C) SYRUP PENICILLIN V, 100 ML 150 THOUSAND.
D) SYRUP AMPICILLIN 100 ML 100 THOUSAND.
E) TABLET METRONIDAZOLE 400 MG THIRTY MILLION.
F) TABLE CO-TRIMOXAZOLE 10 MILLION.
G) TABLET VITAMIN B-COMPLEX 10 MILLION.
H) ORS HALF LITRE PACKET 3 MILLION SACHETS.
I) BENZYLE BENZOATE ONE LITRE BOTTLE 2 THOUSAND.
J) BENZOIC SALISYLIC ACID OINTMENT ONE KILOGRAM JERRYCANS FIVE THOUSAND.
K) TABLET PARACETAMOL TWENTY MILLION.
L) CHOLERA FLUID 500 ML THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND.
M) TABLET PENICILLIN V, TEN MILLION.

ITEMS A) B) H), K) AND L) CAN BE PROCURED LOCALLY. OTHERS TO BE IMPORTED.

VI CONTRIBUTIONS (SINCE SITREP NO.11)

1. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

DPR 310 BGD'87(1)

UNDRO 87/1956

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 13
9 SEPTEMBER 1987

I. GENERAL

1. UN/GOB GROUP ON DISASTER REPORTS AS OF 9 SEPTEMBER OVERALL GRADUAL IMPROVEMENTS IN SOME PARTS AND DETERIORATIONS IN CHAPAINABABGANJ AND AREAS NEARBY. NEW INUNDATIONS CAUSED BY WATER INCREASE IN GANGES AND BRAHMAPUTRA BASINS FROM INDIAN UPSTREAM. WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD FORECASTS NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES OVER NEXT DAYS.

II. RELIEF CO-ORDINATION

2. GOB REQUESTED UNDRO/UNDP TO ASSIST EXTERNAL RESOURCES DIVISION, ERD, IN CO-ORDINATION DONOR RESPONSES UNTIL SITUATION NORMALISED. NEXT DONOR MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 13 SEPTEMBER. CO-ORDINATION OF PLEDGES AGAINST NEEDS EXPECTED TO BE PRIMARY PURPOSE.

III. FOOD

3. CONFIRMED PLEDGES TOTAL 210,000 TONS. CONFIRMATION PLEDGES FROM CANADA, DENMARK, FED. REP. OF GERMANY, NETHERLANDS AND SWEDEN EXPECTED SOON. THESE WOULD BRING TOTAL TO 350,000 TONS LEAVING REQUIREMENT FOR FURTHER 85,000 TONS FOODGRAIN.

4. OUT OF TOTAL COMMITMENTS 200,000 TONS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE BEFORE DECEMBER AS REQUESTED BY GOB (UNDRO SITREP NO.10, PARA 5). INTERMINISTERIAL COMMITTEE AND DEFENCE FORCES ASSISTING CHITTAGONG PORT AUTHORITIES TO AVOID CONGESTION (UNDRO SITREP NO. 12, PARA 10).

IV. HEALTH

5. DIARRHOEAL CASES RISING STEADILY, NOW AT ABOUT 260,000, 27 DEATHS REPORTED. SUPPLY OF EMERGENCY MEDICINES STILL INADEQUATE. TODATE ONLY IRAQ DELIVERED SUPPLY. USAID REPORTED TO HAVE APPROACHED HEADQUARTERS FOR SUBSTANTIAL CONSIGNMENTS WHICH, ONCE APPROVED WILL BE CHANNELLED THROUGH UNICEF. NEED FOR ESSENTIAL DRUGS (UNDRO SITREP NO. 12, PARA 12) ALSO CONFIRMED BY JAPANESE MEDICAL FIELD TEAM.

V. AGRICULTURE

6. MINAGRICULTURE CONSIDERS 1.5 MILLION TONS CROP LOSSES, PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, BEST SCENARIO. FEWER AREAS REPLANTED THAN ESTIMATED AND VERY LARGE PARTS STILL INUNDATED. MORE ACCURATE FIGURES EXPECTED END SEPTEMBER WHICH MIGHT REQUIRE REVIEW FOOD AID NEEDS.

VI. CONTRIBUTIONS (SINCE UNDRO SITREP NO. 12)

1. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

UNDRO 87/2059

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
UNDRO SITREP NO. 14
23 SEPTEMBER 1987

I. GENERAL

1. FLOOD SITUATION IN ALL MAJOR RIVER BASINS GRADUALLY IMPROVING EXCEPTING GANGES RIVER WHICH STILL INCREASING AND OVERFLOWING ABOVE DANGER LEVEL.

2. SOME FORMER AFFECTED AREAS SUFFERING FLOODS FOR THE FOURTH TIME. BANGLADESH WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD PREDICTS SOME NEW AREAS IN RAJSHAHI, CHAPAINABABGONJI PABNA AND FARIDPUR DISTRICTS MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED. PRESENT DANGER SITUATION EXPECTED TO LAST ANOTHER 3-4 DAYS.

II. RELIEF CO-ORDINATION

3. MEETING OF DONORS AT AMBASSADOR LEVEL AND UN GROUP ON DISASTER TOOK PLACE ON 17/9 UNDER CHAIRMANSHIP OF FINANCE MINISTER. UNDRO CONSULTANT COMPLETED FIELD VISITS TO AFFECTED AREAS. REPORT ON MISSION EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY. ON GOB'S REQUEST A LOCAL CONSULTANT HAS BEEN RECRUITED TO ASSIST UN AND GOB IN PREPARATION OF COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTATION ON FURTHER NEEDS. THE EXTERNAL RESOURCES DIVISION (ERD) ALSO INTENDS TO USE THIS DOCUMENTATION AS BASIS FOR REQUESTING DONORS AID FOR LONG TERM REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMMES.

III. HEALTH

4. LATEST REPORTS INDICATE 565,000 CASES OF DIARRHOEA AND 682 DEATHS. NUMBER STEADILY INCREASING WITH 15,000 NEW CASES. HOWEVER, SUPPLY OF EMERGENCY MEDICINES HIGHLY INADEQUATE. JAPAN BEING ONLY DONOR INDICATING CONTRIBUTION OF BUTTERFLY NEEDLES.

IV. FOOD

5. DONORS' RESPONSE ENCOURAGING. OUT OF 435,000 MT REQUESTED BY GOB, CONFIRMATION AND COMMITMENT FOR 404,000 MT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

6. IMPROVED PORT HANDLING IN COUNTRY WHICH HAS INCREASED FROM 4,000 MT DAILY IN JULY TO 14,000 MT IN SEPTEMBER.

V. AGRICULTURE

7. GROSS FIGURES ON CROP LOSS ESTIMATED AT 3.3 MILLION TONS WITH POSSIBLE RECOVERY TO NET LOSS 1.7 MILLION TONS. FINAL FIGURES, HOWEVER, MAY STILL RAISE. MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE END SEPTEMBER.

VI. CONTRIBUTIONS (SINCE UNDRO SITREP NO. 13)

VII. UNDRO APPEAL

8. DUE TO MEDICAL SITUATION AND POOR DONOR RESPONSE IN THIS LINE, UNDRO APPEALING FOR ESSENTIAL DRUGS, LIST ESTABLISHED BY WHO AND INCLUDED IN SITREP NO. 12 7 SEPTEMBER 1987. ESTIMATED VALUE US DLRS 3 MILLION.

9. DONORS ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM UNDRO DIRECTLY, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND VALUE.

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148

DPR 310 BGD '87

UNDRO 87/2317

BANGLADESH - FLOODS
SITUATION REPORT NO. 15
29 OCTOBER 1987

1. OVERALL REPORTS CONFIRM STEADY RECESSION FLOOD WATERS AND EMERGENCY PHASE NOW OVER.

2. GOB AND BRCS BEGUN REHABILITATION WORK, NAMELY REPAID AND RECONSTRUCTION HOUSES. REPORT BY UNDRO CONSULTANT ON GUIDELINES AND PRIORITITES FOR REHABILITATION PRESENTED TO GOB THROUGH UNDRO/UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE. UNDRO PREPARED SUMMARY AND COMMENTS ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ASPECTS OF REPORT WHICH BEING SENT TO DONORS. CONSULTANT HIMSELF RETURNING TO BANGLADESH TO FOLLOW-UP ON EARLIER ADVISORY WORK DURING REHABILITATION PHASE.

3. HEALTH SITUATION EXPECTED TO WORSEN OVER COMING MONTHS DUE TO FEARED MALARIA AND TYPHOID OUTBREAKS. AS PREPARATORY MEASURE GOB USED CIDA CONTRIBUTION THROUGH UNDRO. CAN DLRS 300,000 FOR PURCHASES LOCALLY AVAILABLE DRUGS. PLEDGE BY AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT ALSO EARMARKED FOR THIS PURPOSE. IN VIEW PRECARIOUS HEALTH SITUATION UNDRO MAINTAINS ITS APPEAL FOR ESSENTIAL DRUGS, REF. UNDRO SITREP 14.

4. UNLESS OCCURRENCE DRASTIC DETERIORATION THIS IS FINAL SITUATION REPORT. DONORS HOWEVER REQUESTED TO CONTINUE TO KEEP UNDRO DIRECTLY INFORMED, PREFERABLY BY TELEX (28148 UNDR CH), OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND VALUE.

5. CONTRIBUTIONS (SINCE UNDRO SITREP NO. 14, 23 SEPTEMBER 1987)

ESSAAFI UNDRO GENEVA 28148