Cyclone Remal claims lives, Oxfam responds with relief in coastal Bangladesh

Oxfam and its partners are responding to the needs of the people in coastal areas of Bangladesh where Cyclone Remal has left a trail of destruction.

Severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall on Sunday, May 26, with windspeeds of 135km per hour between the coasts of India and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, loss of lives has been reported and significant destruction has been caused to the infrastructure in Barishal City, Jhalakathi, and Nijhum Dwip areas. Access to nearly 20 villages in Jhalakathi and almost all villages in Nijhum Dwip has been affected due to flooded roads.

Oxfam and its partners have initiated the emergency response in the hardest-hit areas, including Patuakhali, Barguna, and Cox's Bazar. Distribution of essential supplies, such as food, water, and shelter materials to affected families has begun. Anticipatory cash grants have been disbursed to over 600 households as part of Oxfam’s Cyclone Anticipatory Acton Planning and Response project to help them meet their immediate needs.

"Oxfam is on the ground with its partners to provide clean water, shelter, hygiene kits and food.  The intensity and frequency of cyclones and storms have increased in the region. People are being forced to rebuild their lives in shorter spans. We are working closely with our partners and government on climate adaptation approaches for communities to navigate the climate crisis," said Asish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh.

As the recovery process unfolds, Oxfam calls upon the support and solidarity of individuals and organizations in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. With more than 3 million people affected in the coastal areas and 800,000 evacuated from the affected areas, the scale of the disaster underscores the urgency of the response.