Cyclonic Storm Sidr hit the coast of Bangladesh at 18:30 local time on Thursday, November 15, 2007. The greater Barisal and Khulna districts were hit first and received the brunt of the storm, which had a radius of 500 kilometers with wind speeds of 220-240 kilometres per hour. As the storm moved northwards it was downgraded to a Category II tropical storm. To date, it has affected 1.2 million persons and killed at least 2,600 people, with estimates of potential life lost being projected as high as 10,000 persons. 265,000 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.
So far, the worldwide Caritas Internationalis network has received over $2 million dollars in donations from a number of members, of which Development and Peace has donated CA$100,000 dollars.
Caritas Bangladesh Response
Caritas Bangladesh field staff identified local sources of food suppliers and shopkeepers in the affected area who could supply immediate food items. It has already started food distribution for 23,500 families located in the regions of Chittagong, Barisal and Khluna, since it has long-term development and disaster preparedness programs in these areas. Under the first round of food distribution each of these families will get 13 kg rice, 2 kg lentils and 1 kg salt.
After completing the first round of immediate food distribution Caritas will repeat food assistance to these same families, and will add non-food items, such as a plastic sheet, blanket, bed sheet, mosquito net, bucket, plastic mug, plate and glass for each of these families.
Note: We suggest also linking to the latest Caritas Internationalis PR which provides further details: Caritas aid gets through in cyclone-hit Bangladesh
For 40 years, Development and Peace has worked directly with organizations made up of or representing the poor and marginalized in the Global South, and provided $500 million to 15,000 projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are presently active with 200 partners in 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and in Latin America. In Canada, we are a democratic movement for international solidarity - educating the public about the root causes of poverty and mobilizing social action for change - with 13,000 members from coast to coast. Development and Peace is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada.
For Information Contact:
Wanda Potrykus
514 257-8710, ext. 365
wanda.potrykus@devp.org