On 15 and 16 November, southern Bangladesh was hit by Cyclone Sidr. So far, over 6 million people have been affected, and 2,997 people have been confirmed dead. Many more have been injured, and the death toll could reach 10,000 (the death toll following the 1991 cyclone was 140,000). Also, around 300,000 houses have been destroyed, as have many crops and large tracts of agricultural land.
Following an initial DFID contribution of £2.5 million, which is being channelled through the UN for immediate relief efforts, a further £2.5 million was pledged on 23 November. On 28 November, an additional £2 million was committed to help survivors to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
Already, DFID money is helping to rebuild more than 16,000 homes, provide food to 70,000 families and clean water to 260,000 families. The UK's disaster relief aid in Bangladesh now totals almost £12 million (US$24 million) for this year, with £4.7 million having been provided in response to the severe floods that occurred in August.
Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, said yesterday:
"Unless emergency relief supplies get to victims it is all too likely that more people will die needlessly. That is why the UK continues to provide funds to get more food, clean water, basic shelter and other emergency supplies to tens of thousands of survivors. With half a million animals killed, nearly 2 million acres of crops and more than a million homes destroyed the next challenge is to help people rebuild their homes and livelihoods. UK support is meeting immediate and longer term needs as well. I continue to be admiring of the resilience and determination of the Bangladeshi people as they face these challenges."
DFID has also contributed to the European Commission's pledge of €6.5 million (approximately £3.6 million) for emergency aid, committing 18% (around £650,000) of the total amount. In addition, DFID has sent four humanitarian response specialists to the affected area to assist with the relief efforts and make recommendations about further UK support. Although the cyclone has had a devastating impact, casualties and damage have been reduced by good early warning systems, which the UK has supported over the past five years through the Central Disaster Management Programme.
The need for food, water and repairs
Last week, the Head of DFID Bangladesh, Chris Austin, visited Charaldia village, in Barguna District on the southern tip of the country. It is estimated that 200 people - most of them children - have died in Charaldia as a result of the cyclone. There has also been damage to property throughout the village, with several buildings flattened, including the main market, many homes destroyed and fishing boats washed away or battered into pieces.
With the road to the village now cleared, relief is due to arrive over the next two weeks. Friendship, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), is planning to distribute food and water directly to 24,000 families (144,000 people), and will tour the affected area with five mobile clinics.
As is the case throughout Bangladesh, the people of Charaldia are showing remarkable resilience in the face of the destruction, with efforts already underway to clean up and re-open shops, and repair damaged buildings. It is important to restore livelihoods - by providing fishing boats, nets, and crops that can work in saline ground - as soon as possible.
Sustaining the relief effort
Rapid relief is being provided on the ground by the Government of Bangladesh, with the assistance of UN agencies and local NGOs, but needs are huge and will require a sustained effort. The United Nations Rapid Initial Assessment Report (published 22 November) has identified the immediate priorities as food, water, medicines and shelter, with 2.6 million requiring immediate life and livelihoods relief. Electricity supplies also remain a major concern, and support is needed for land and water transport.
Douglas Alexander confirmed last week that the UK will consider further appropriate action:
"We will consider our response to additional needs identified, monitor delivery in conjunction with the UN and help the Government of Bangladesh. Further funding will be considered over the next few months."
DFID is also getting feedback about the situation on the ground from a range of sources including the Government of Bangladesh's Disaster Management Bureau (to which DFID is providing long-term support), the Red Cross and DFID offices in Bangladesh and India.
To date, pledges for relief aid total over $190 million. In addition, the World Bank has pledged $250 million for cyclone needs and rehabilitation. As well as assistance from bilateral donors, a number international NGOs are channelling support to cyclone relief efforts. For example, UK-based Islamic Relief has provided $1 million, with an appeal for up to $6 million.