Background

On 15 November, 2007 Cyclone Sidr devastated the coast and inland areas of southern Bangladesh, killing over 3,000 people, injuring 40,000 and leaving 2 million people in need of urgent life-saving assistance.  

World Vision's response

World Vision four-decade experience in Bangladesh enabled us to respond immediately to communities devastated by Cyclone Sidr. Our response included:

• Facilitating the evacuation of 20,000 people to 13 cyclone shelters and 20 school disaster shelters before the cyclone hit coastal areas
• Distribution of food relief packages to 20,000 families. The packages included rice, potatoes, pulses, sugar, oil and salt 
• Provision of non-food items including blankets, mattresses, clothing, oral re-hydration salts and candles 
• Establishment of Child Friendly Spaces
• Provision of temporary shelter for 64,625 people, thanks to funding assistance from the Australian Government
• Distribution of three water purifying units and 2,400 jerry cans

One Australian-supported project was affected by the cyclone, the Muksudpur area development project. A seven-day survival kit of food and non-food items was provided to families most in need of assistance in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

Funds raised

Thanks to the generous support of Australians, World Vision Australia raised over $1.6 million for the emergency response. The funds have enabled World Vision teams to provide emergency assistance in the wake of the cyclone and will assist with long-term livelihood recovery projects.

Ongoing activities