The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved a grant of US$500,000 to provide essential relief supplies and support emergency operation for cyclone victims in Bangladesh. At least 2,400 people were reported killed, and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) fear that the death toll may be far higher. Tens of thousands have been made homeless, and the number of families affected by the disaster is estimated at one million.
With winds estimated at 131 mph (210 km/h), Cyclone Sidr slammed into the southern coastal region of Bangladesh, uprooting trees, leveling homes and wiping out vital infrastructure. As Sidr crossed over onto land, it began to weaken but still brought torrential rainfall and floods to low-lying areas.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the BDRCS and its branches mobilized an estimated 30,000 staff and volunteers. These include medical teams and first aid providers, who engaged in the dissemination of early warning and emergency evacuations to the vulnerable population along the coast. Thousands of families have been evacuated to safer structures such as schools, mosques and cyclone preparedness shelters.
OFID's contribution will be channeled through IFRC and help purchase essential relief supplies such as tents, plastic sheeting, food, medicine and potable water.