So far the cyclone that struck Bangladesh Friday has claimed thousands of lives. Rescue work is going on full force. After a visit to the area most damaged by the cyclone, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, has decided to give SEK5 million to Save the Children and SEK2 million to Unicef.
SEK10 million to the Swedish Red Cross has been reserved to support humanitarian relief efforts.
Elizabeth Narrowe, a programme officer with Sida's Humanitarian Division, and Swedish Ambassador Britt Hagström visited the region most affected by the cyclone Monday.
"The material damage is severe. Even though clean-up work has already begun, transportation is still a major problem. Bridges and ferries have been damaged, fields are flooded and trees are lying all over the roads, hindering access to areas most affected by the cyclone," said Narrowe. "A coordinated effort is needed to get food, water and other necessities to victims. Some help has already been delivered, but it is not enough."
Recent figures put the number of deaths at about 3,100, but the actual number of lives claimed could reach 10,000. Humanitarian efforts are coordinated by the Government of Bangladesh with help from the military, United Nations and relief organisations. Sweden is contributing to the immediate humanitarian relief activities through its core support to the World Food Programme, Unicef and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.
When the worst of the damage is over extensive reconstruction work will begin.
Per Byman, head of Sida's Humanitarian Division, it is also essential to get detailed needs assessments to inform sound decision-making and coordination to ensure effectiveness in the short and long-term. "One of the lessons we learned from the tsunami is that coordination and needs assessment is more important than making fast decisions. We expect to make more decisions for support toward the end of the week," said Byman.
Byman noted the impressive performance of the Government of Bangladesh which helped evacuate 1.5 million people from coastal areas. "The early warning system and cyclone shelter, built with Swedish support, have worked well, but has not been enough. The Government of Bangladesh and the Red Crescent Society have mobilised 40,000 volunteers to spread information about the impending danger, saving thousands of lives."
Continuous information from Sida's work in Bangladesh is published on Sida's Web site at www.sida.se.
For more information, contact Sida's Press Office at +46 (0)8-698 55 55.