Plan International Bangladesh is providing support to the families worst affected by Cyclone Remal that hit the country on 26 May.
On 26 May 2024, the severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall, smashing into Bangladesh, impacting 4.6 million people in 19 districts of the country and heavily damaging property, crops, houses, water supplies and school buildings.
The cyclone severely affected 8 districts, including Bhola and Barguna, where Plan has been active for several years. Around 150,000 people in these areas suffered damage to their houses, water sources and belongings. The disaster significantly impacted girls and women, increasing the risk of gender-based violence due to disrupted communication and inadequate shelter and sanitary facilities. Schools were also closed for a few days.
Responding to immediate needs
Right after the cyclone hit communities, our emergency response team was deployed to assess the situation and carry out a rapid needs assessment to identify the immediate needs of families.
”People in coastal areas, especially children, girls and women are vulnerable.”
Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh
Plan International Bangladesh is responding to the crisis to address the unique needs of girls and women in the affected areas targeting 18,275 people in 4,250 households. In addition, our response will support 7,000 students from 30 schools by repairing damaged classrooms and providing education kits to help children continue their education. Other areas our response covers include cash transfers, sexual and reproductive health and rights, water and sanitation, protection and education.
”People in coastal areas, especially children, girls and women are vulnerable,” says Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh. “We have responded through our forecast-based financing through mobile money transfers to the most vulnerable people. Our team, working alongside partners, are on the ground and extending support in this difficult time.”
Cash transfers help families meet daily needs
Our cash transfer assistance has helped families significantly after the cyclone. Within a week, we transfered cash to 1,016 households benefiting 4,572 people in Bhola and Barguna Sadar subdistricts Families have used the cash to meet their basic needs and repair their homes. So far, we’ve reached 3,091 families with ongoing support.
We are raising €1.4 million to meet immediate needs and support recovery activities, including resilience building.
Early action helps save lives
Plan International Bangladesh’s Anticipatory Action Cyclone intervention helped coastal communities prepare for Cyclone Remal.
Communities were supported to follow weather forecasts and alert community leaders in advance.Community-based organisations, especially women’s groups, held emergency meetings and made preparations.
As a result, families and the community took measures to protect lives and property such as tiding houses with ropes, preparing safe places for animals and storing animal feed. We continue our anticipatory actions in vulnerable communities so they are resilient in challenging times.
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