Dhaka/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva
The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and others, has a launched an emergency response in the wake of devastation caused by Cyclone Remal. The IFRC launched a CHF 12.5 million Emergency Appeal that aims to assist 650,000 people in the 8 hardest-hit districts with clean water, food, medical aid and cash assistance.
Cyclone Remal has left southern Bangladesh in a state of crisis, affecting over 4.59 million people and causing extensive damage to approximately 150,000 households in 19 coastal districts. Making landfall on 27 May near the Bangladesh-India border, the cyclone brought wind speeds of up to 111 km/h and storm surges of 5-8 feet, resulting in severe flooding and prolonged power outages for 27 million people.
People were killed, homes destroyed, and the cyclone disrupted infrastructure, including airports in Chittagong and Cox's Bazar, leading to international flight cancellations from Dhaka.
Alberto Bocanegra, Head of Delegation for the IFRC in Bangladesh, said,
“The devastation caused by Cyclone Remal is immense, and immediate support is vital.
Our Emergency Appeal will quickly attend to families with damaged houses, and the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. Furthermore, critical assistance will be proved to those severely impacted in terms of livelihoods such as agriculture, fish farming, and marginalized groups, displaced individuals living in collective centers, with relatives, or in others’ houses, and families with vulnerable groups.”
“We urge the international community to stand with Bangladesh during this critical time.”
Kazi Shofiqul Azam, Secretary General of BDRCS, added,
“Our volunteers have been on the ground from the onset, providing critical assistance. Support from our partners and the global community is essential for individuals affected and the community system to recover well.”
In Cox’s Bazar, the cyclone caused minor landslides and damaged 500 makeshift shelters, affecting 3,000 individuals. In Bhashan Char, heavy rains led to waterlogging and minor infrastructure damage.
Further crisis would emerge if we do not attend to all the above to well.”
As the cyclone continues to wreak havoc, the Red Cross Red Crescent network calls for urgent global support to provide essential aid to those affected.
Notes to Editors:
For more information or to request interviews, please contact: [email protected]
In Bangladesh:
Areefa Sinha, +8801970089077,
Al-Shahriar Rupam, +8801761775075,
In Kuala Lumpur:
Afrhill Rances, +60192713641
In Geneva,
Andrew Thomas +41 76 367 6587
Tommaso Della Longa + 41 79 708 4367