The catastrophic
Cyclone SIDR hit the mainland around 7.30pm on Thursday, Nov 15. Along
with it came a tremendous storm surge, high waves, flooding, and
destructive winds. SIDR arrived in the darkness of the night and the
hours of high tide, making the storm surge to be more than potentially
devastating.
Electricity
supply was badly affected with widespread power outage in Southern
Bangladesh (Dhaka city since 11pm, other areas include Barisal and
Khulna). It is also difficult establishing contacts as mobile phone
network was down as well. Almost the whole of Dhaka was without power
until Friday, Nov 16.
As of Nov 16,
the media reported 1,000 deaths while damage to properties,
infrastructure and homes was equally large. The casualty list is
expected to be higher as reports began to trickle from remote areas.
The affected
upazilas/districts are Mehendiganj, Hizla,Barguna, Golachipa,
Pathorgatha, Betagi, Jhalokathi, Bakerganj in Barisal; Bhola, Char
Fashon in Bhoa and Dacope; Bathiagatha, Paikgacha, and Koyra in Khulna;
Mongla, Hiron and islands like Dublar Char; Mathbaria and Pirozpur. One
union in Moheshkhali (Dholghata) and one union of Kutubdia were also
affected. A detailed list of the affected areas will be issued soon.
MA Bangladesh field
office responded to the emergency by sending out a 3-man on Nov 16 to
Barisal, Patuakhali and Mongla. They were given directives to purchase
food and other necessary items for distribution in the affected areas.
The selection of the upazila/areas where emergency aid is to be given,
if required, would be done jointly by the government authorities and
our partner organizations there.
