On May 14, powerful Cyclone Mocha struck the coastal areas of Bangladesh.

 

A-PAD Bangladesh’s partner organization, Community Initiative Society (CIS), began reaching out to local residents in three areas on May 11 to alert them about the incoming cyclone. CIS also met with local municipalities, community leaders, NGOs, and volunteers to discuss preparedness measures. CIS distributed cyclone awareness leaflets and encouraged residents to evacuate to cyclone shelters.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 750,000 residents evacuated to cyclone shelters beforehand and the casualties were minimal. The cyclone changed trajectory and the refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar avoided a direct hit from the cyclone.

However, some areas still experienced significant damage to housing, food, and other basic necessities. On May 15 and 16, CIS visited one of the hardest hit areas to conduct a needs assessment. About 20,000 homes were found damaged and lacking food, water and other necessities. In addition, many of the residents work as fishermen and much of their equipment was blown away.

CIS is planning on supporting the affected population by providing food, drinking water, and basic necessities in addition to fixing the fishermen’s fishing nets and boats.

Please see more details in the situation reports prepared by CIS

CYCLONE MOCHA- SITUATION REPORT – CIS