New assessments reveal an even grimmer reality in Bangladesh

(New York, 3 December): Most recent humanitarian reports from Bangladesh, which was struck by Cyclone Sidr over two weeks ago, indicate that the impact of the storm on local populations and their livelihoods is much more extensive than previously estimated. The latest assessments conducted by the United Nations in collaboration with national government agencies and partners on the ground indicate that more than 8.5 million people have been affected by the storm, roughly 1.5 million more than originally thought. Last week, United Nations rapid assessments revealed that an estimated 2.6 million Bangladeshis remained in need of immediate life-saving assistance in the nine districts assessed by the United Nations.

As more information becomes available, an even grimmer reality is being revealed. Compared with last reports, the number of injured grew by an additional 5,000 persons, bringing the grand total to nearly 40,000. At least 872 persons remain missing, while the death toll increased slightly and now stands at 3,268. Material damages caused by Sidr are much more significant than previous estimates indicated. Nearly 564,000 houses have been completely destroyed - 200,000 more in comparison with earlier reports - and another 885,280 have been damaged. In addition, more than 2 million acres of crops were damaged and over 1.25 million livestock have been confirmed killed, the latter number being more than two times greater than originally thought. As some cyclone-affected areas became accessible only recently, more reports on the extent of the damage to roads and public buildings, including over 15,000 educational institutions, are also coming in.

As the national and international relief activities continue, the most recent United Nations assessments identified food, shelter and cash as the three highest priority areas for immediate assistance. Sanitation, drinking water, electricity, livelihood assistance and early recovery are also urgently needed. To date, international donors generously contributed over $ 143 million for relief and recovery activities in Bangladesh, while the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has disbursed a total of $ 14.7 million in support of life-saving activities in the cycloneaffected areas. Nevertheless, as assessments are on-going, additional funds might be required in order to provide comprehensive humanitarian assistance to populations affected by the storm, especially as new needs continue to be identified.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.