Episcopal Relief and Development is standing by to provide emergency assistance to Bangladeshi communities affected by Cyclone Sidr. The full extent of the destruction caused by this category 4 storm, the most powerful so far this year, is not yet known. As of today 7 million people have been uprooted and reports say the death toll may reach as high as 10,000.
In the worst affected districts, the low-lying coastal regions, 90 per cent of homes and 95 percent of rice crops and prawn farms were obliterated by the 150 mph winds, which generated a 20ft tidal surge that swept everything from its path.
"I have never seen such a catastrophe in my 20 years as a government administrator," said Harisprasad Pal, an official from Barguna District, "Village after village has been shattered. Millions of people are living out in the open and relief is reaching less than one percent of the people."
Relief efforts are hampered by the extent of Sidr’s destruction. Entire roads have been washed away, trees have been uprooted and telecommunications and transportation links have been severed. The situation is dire and millions of people are in need of shelter, food and clean water.
In partnership with ACT International, Episcopal Relief and Development will be supporting the relief efforts of the Church of Bangladesh. The Church of Bangladesh and local ecumenical partners are currently assessing local needs after this disaster. Episcopal Relief and Development is ready to respond to the needs identified by this team. “We will be working in solidarity with the Church of Bangladesh as they respond to this disaster,” says Julie Petrie, Asia Program Officer for Episcopal Relief and Development.
To help people affected by the Cyclone in Bangladesh, please make a donation to ERD’s “Emergency Relief Fund/Bangladesh Cyclone” online at http://www.er-d.org/ , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund/Bangladesh Cyclone” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief and Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief and Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
