Islamic Relief statement on Cyclone Mahasen, Bangladesh

Islamic Relief statement on Cyclone Mahasen, Bangladesh

On Thursday 16^th May 2013, Cyclone Mahasen hit the coastal district of Patuakhali in Bangladesh. Officials had prepared for the storm before its arrival, evacuating nearly a million people, reducing fatalities to just 14.

Islamic Relief was aware of the impending cyclone and began preparing ahead of the strike, getting ready to distribute food and other items if necessary. This was in addition to the extensive and ongoing disaster risk reduction and preparedness work we already carry out in Bangladesh, including constructing flood-resistant shelters and re-building homes on raised plinths to avoid floodwater.

We are currently assessing the needs and collaborating with other agencies in the area to determine whether further intervention is required.

We pray for the families of those who lost their lives in Cyclone Mahasen, and for the swift recovery of those who have been affected.

Islamic Relief works in several areas of Bangladesh, with three offices in Chittagong and one each in Khulna Sadar, Koyra and Cox’s Bazaar.