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© World Vision 2007 (Photo: Amio Ascencion)
World Vision Bangladesh relief teams are preparing to commence their second phase of Cyclone Sidr response after a smooth and successful distribution reaching over 15,000 families in the last three weeks.
On December 9 World Vision completed distribution of emergency relief goods in the severe cyclone Sidr affected districts of Bagerhat and Pirojpur. In Bhandaria sub-district under Pirojpur district, food and non-food items was distributed to 13,000 people in the unions of Ekri, Goiuripur and Telikhali. In Morelegonj sub-district under Bagerhat district, relief packs including blankets and jerry cans were distributed to 12,000 people in the unions of Nishanbaria, Ghawkhali, and Chingrakhali.
Water purifying units donated by the OFDA/USAID have been set up in three areas that face water crisis. These units are able to pump out clean water for as long as it takes to rebuild existing water supplies.
With the completion of the first phase emergency response, World Vision is now preparing for an emphasis on medium term activities, both within and outside World Vision's project areas. Until the end of February, relief teams will concentrate their efforts on repairs of water points and deep tubewells, assistance with restoring livelihoods and crops, fishing and livestock, distribution of building materials and support to rebuild infrastructure such as marketplaces.
Child-friendly spaces will continue to operate in cyclone-affected communities, providing a safe place for children to play and learn while their parents involve themselves in rebuilding or local World Vision cash-for-work initiatives.
World Food Programme (WFP) will partner with World Vision to distribute 1,429.78 metric tons of food to cyclone affected people of Shamnagar sub-district under Satkhira district. The food containing rice, pulses, salt, veg.oil, high energy biscuits, and wheat soya blend will help to support nearly 50,000 people over the next three months. World Vision's pro-gender equality approach means that women are taking a lead role in managing the distribution of this food, including decisions on which families are most in need of support.
Expressing their satisfaction at the smooth operation and handling of the relief programme in non-ADP areas, World Vision relief teams acknowledged the collaboration between local government officials, Bangladesh army, union council members, community leaders, local people, and World Vision staff from different programmes who joined up to deliver food and other goods.
The following World Vision programme areas will receive medium to long-term support:
- Mongla and Chitalmari in Kotalipara District
- Muksudpur in the Gopalganj District
- Laudobe in the Khulna District
- Agailjhara in the Barisal District
- Kalkini in the Madaripur District
In addition, 4 to 5 non-programme areas in Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Barguna districts, are targeted as medium and long term phase beneficiaries.
For more information on World Vision's plans in Bangladesh, contact:
James East
Regional Communications Director, World Vision Asia-Pacific
Email: james_east@wvi.org
Telephone: +668 9812 1402 (Bangkok)
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
