OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Bangladesh: Chittagong Landslides
Myanmar: Flooding
13 June 2007


This situation report is based on information received from WFP, UNICEF, 
UNHCR, WHO, the UNDP Resident Coordinator's Offices in Dhaka and 
Myanmar, and media sources.

I. SITUATION in Bangladesh

1. On 11 June 2007, a series of landslides triggered by torrential rains 
swept through areas of Chittagong District in Bangladesh. Initial 
reports suggest that large numbers of people were buried under mud and 
debris, while others were swept away by the powerful current. A joint 
UNICEF-WFP assessment reports 8-9 feet high mud in some of the 
worst-affected areas. Government of Bangladesh figures indicate that 120 
people are confirmed dead so far and WHO reports a further 60 injuries. 
The figures are expected to rise as search and rescue teams continue 
their work.

2. Three days of rains and water from upstream also swelled the 
Brahmputra, Jamuna, Teesta and Dharala rivers, creating flash floods and 
inundating large areas of the country. Low-lying areas of Netrokona, 
Sunamgonj, Habigonj, Bogra, Kurigram, Chandpur and Feni districts are 
submerged and several thousand people have been isolated. Houses in the 
affected areas are damaged and daily activities have been disrupted. The 
current rainfall is the worst in a quarter of a century.

3. At UNHCR-run refugee camps in Cox's Bazaar, a shed collapsed in one 
camp and two boys suffered minor injuries due to a falling tree. The 
road network was temporarily interrupted, but access to the camps has 
now been restored.

4. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for seaports at 
Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla.

II. SITUATION in Myanmar

5. In Myanmar's neighboring Rakhine State, the downpour caused 
widespread flooding. The UNHCR jetty in Buthidaung has been submerged as 
knee-deep water flowed over the banks of the Mayu River. There are 
reports of landslides on the road between Maungdaw and Buthidaung and UN 
security staff are currently assessing the damage.

III. NATIONAL RESPONSE in Bangladesh

6. The Government of Bangladesh has responded promptly and allocated a 
cash grant of Tk.2,000,000 (1 USD = 68 Bangladesh Taka) and 200 MTs of 
rice to affected families.

7. The local Police, Fire Brigade, Army, Local Administration, Red 
Crescent, Health volunteers and NGOs are searching for survivors. Search 
and Rescue operations have been hampered by the flooding and continuing 
heavy rains. There is also lack of equipment for excavation.

8. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has visited the 
affected area in Chittagong to assess health sector initiatives and 
activities. The DGHS Control Room and CS Office in districts have been 
placed on 24 hour monitoring alert. Nine medical teams and one mobile 
unit have been assembled to assist victims and address emerging health 
problems. There are no reports of scarcity of emergency drugs and 
medical supplies and medicine stockpiles are available.

9. Chittagong City Corporation has opened three emergency camps at 
Biozid Bostami, Chandga and Tulatali High Schools, where 150, 300 and 
400 people, respectively, have taken temporary shelter. However, most 
returned home as the stagnant water recedes. Chittagong City Corporation 
has distributed 82 MTs of rice, 50 MTs of molasses, 600 match-boxes and 
1,000 candles. Two mobile medical teams are working under the City 
Corporation.

10. On 12 June 2007, a joint UNICEF-WFP assessment team visited the 
severely-affected Lebu Bagan areas, where most of the flood-damaged 
houses were constructed of mud walls and tin roofing. Specialized 
excavation equipment is limited. A temporary camp has opened at 
Cantonment Jahangir Line High School ground, where the Army is 
distributing food aid. The Red Crescent has also distributed bread and 
biscuits. Rice and molasses was distributed by the Divisional 
Commissioner. Army and City Corporation medical teams are jointly 
providing medical treatment.

IV. INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE in Bangladesh

11. On 12 June 2007, UNICEF and WFP Country Offices jointly sent four 
teams to conduct an emergency assessment in the landslide areas. The two 
UN agencies are closely monitoring and coordinating with the District 
and City Corporation administrations.

12. The WFP Country Office is monitoring the situation and providing 
technical support to the DGHS. Meetings have taken place with health 
personnel and District Civil Surgeons.

13. WHO has provided support to NGOs and UN agencies on health sector 
management. The WHO Immunization and Vaccine Development Programme is 
liaising with the district health officials to assess the situation and 
address immediate health needs.

14. UNDP has mobilized logistical support and provided five vehicles 
(including fuel and drivers). The vehicles will be used by the 
Chittagong Divisional Commissioner to reinforce the rescue and relief 
operation.

15. The UN has received no formal request for international assistance. 
According to the UNCT the local authorities currently have sufficient 
Search and Rescue capacity, food and medicines.

16. OCHA has offered assistance to the UNCT through the UN Resident 
Coordinator's Office in Dhaka. The OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the 
Pacific continues to monitor the situation closely in conjunction with 
the UN offices in Dhaka and Yangon.

This situation report, together with further information on ongoing 
emergencies, is also available on the OSOCC Internet Website 
http://www.unocha.org/vosocc and on the OCHA Internet Website 
http://www.reliefweb.int/.


For detailed information please contact:

OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok)
Mr. Rajan Gengaje, Regional Disaster Response Adviser
Tel. + 66 2288 2572, Fax: +66 2288 1043, Mob. + 66 81916 1271
e-mail: gengaje@un.org

Desk Officers:
  NYC - Ms. Kendra Clegg
   Tel. +1-917 367-3514
   e-mail: clegg@un.org
  GVA - Mr. Erik Kastlander
   Tel. +41-22-917 1587
   email:kastlander@un.org

Press contact:
  NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Tel. +1-917 367 5126
  GVA - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Tel. +41-22-917 2653

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