Three months have passed since Cyclone Sidr inflicted heavy damage on property and infrastructure in up to 30 districts in Bangladesh on November 15th, 2007. The destruction affected approximately 8.9 million people, resulting in large-scale humanitarian needs in the country.
Right after the catastrophe, considering the important and immediate response of emergency programs, Première Urgence decided to focus on shelter, water and sanitation programs as well as on the sector of food security.
Today the post-emergency needs are very important in the area of Sharonkola. The inhabitants have been the most severely affected by the cyclone. Even if an important number of relief agencies operate in the sub district, the humanitarian situation of a significant amount of Bangladeshis in the region is still worrisome. This is the main reason for Première Urgence’s decision to support the population via an integrated assistance program.
With the support of “Fondation de France” Premiere Urgence is currently implementing a water quality analysis program as well as a Non Food Item’s distribution. The objective is to secure a minimum protection from the waterborne diseases as well as from the cold season.
Première Urgence's staff training.
Première Urgence is closely working with its local partner “Friendship”, which is providing Première Urgence with staff. Premiere Urgence trains the staff.
Meeting witht the vulnerable households.
Sonatola is located in South Khali Union and is one of the most affected regions of Sarankhola Upazila ; there are around 1,500 households in this village. After December assessment, Première Urgence and Friendship decided to assist the 400 most vulnerable households.
Distribution of water purifier systems.
The first phase consisted in information and sensitization regarding kit distributions that include a water purifier system, jerry cans and a blanket. It has been followed by training session to make sure that the water purifier system would be properly used. Those two phases were implemented between the end of December 2007 and mid February 2008, in coordination with local authority (UNO).
A broader program including shelters, latrine constructions and agricultural revival activities should be further developed in the near future depending on available funds.
