OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Bangladesh - Tropical Storms
3 May 2002


The following information was provided by the UN Resident Coordinator's
Office in Dhaka, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MDMR),
the IFRC, the Disaster Forum and media reports.

Situation in Bangladesh

1.  Since 22 April, Bangladesh has been hit by tropical storms five times,
the latest on 2 May, when 23 people were killed and many injured,
according to media reports.  Figures provided by the MDMR, which do not
include yesterday's storms, indicate that 8 people have been killed,
hundreds injured and around 100,000 people affected since 22 April.
However, the IFRC and media reports mention that more than 30 people were
killed.  Several thousand hectares of crops have been damaged as well as
thousands of huts destroyed.  The northern districts of Gaibandha,
Kishorgonj, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Netrokona, Kurigram and Sirajgong are the
worst affected.  Tropical storms are common at this time of the year in
Bangladesh, before the monsoon season begins in June.


National Response

2.  The district branches of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS)
are providing relief items to the most vulnerable of the affected
families. So far, BRCS has targeted 1,000 families in five districts.

3.  Immediate government assistance to the victims has been provided
through the District Commissioners of the respective districts.
Assistance includes cash, wheat, rice, cloths and some medical supplies.


International Response

4.  IFRC has released CHF 102, 246 (USD 63,115) from its Disaster Relief
Emergency Fund for relief assistance to be provided by BRCS and the
Federation Delegation.

5.  The in-country UN System is monitoring the situation.

6.  OCHA is in contact with relevant government authorities in Bangladesh
through the in-country UN System, and will revert with further information
if warrented.

7.  This situation report, together with information on other ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. R. Mueller / Mr. M. Spaak / Mr. S. Nakajima / Mr. K. Quiding
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 31 31 / 17 28 / 40 34 / 17 69

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 56
  (NYC)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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