Home » Countries » Humanitarian Sectors» Preparedness & Mitigation » Annual Reports » Resources » How Can I Help » USG Partners » Directory »
	OFDA Country Page Reports and Maps Historical OFDA Assistance (9kb PDF) Asia Preparedness and Mitigation (81kb PDF)(map)
	USAID Country Page USAID Mission Page State Department Country Page
	Advanced search... Search USAID Personnel... Search USAID Documents...

On May 25, Tropical Cyclone Aila made landfall in Bangladesh with winds speeds of more than 100 km per hour.  Associated tidal surges and flooding resulted in the deaths of 131 individuals and affected more than 3 million people in Barisal and Chittagong divisions, according to the Government of Bangladesh’s (GoB) Disaster Management Bureau (DMB).  GoB authorities evacuated more than 500,000 people to shelters in the affected coastal area before the cyclone made landfall.  According to the DMB, the cyclone affected 14 districts, including the most affected districts of Bagerhat, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Khulna, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, and Satkhira in Barisal Division.  The DMB reports that the cyclone damaged or destroyed more than 520,886 houses and 400,689 acres of agricultural crops in affected areas, in addition to resulting in significant infrastructure damage and livestock loss.

On May 28, U.S. Ambassador James F. Moriarty declared a disaster in response to the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Aila.  In response, USAID/OFDA is provided $100,000 through USAID/Bangladesh to CARE and World Vision for emergency assistance to affected populations. 

Additional Disaster Declarations:
Localized Food Crisis, 04-24-2008

Every 40 to 50 years, bamboo indigenous to the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh flowers simultaneously. Rodents consume the bamboo flowers and fruits, leading the rat population to multiply at many times the normal rate. The rats completely consume the bamboo in affected areas, then destroy crops and food stockpiles. According to the U.N. Development Program, the rodent infestation affected approximately 128,000 people in 572 villages, while destroying 80 to 100 percent of crops in affected areas. On April 12, the GOB requested donor assistance.

On April 24, U.S. Ambassador James F. Moriarty issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of food insecurity resulting from the rodent infestation. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through USAID/Bangladesh to CARE for the local purchase and distribution of seeds to affected populations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Cyclone, 11-16-2007

On November 15, Tropical Cyclone Sidr made landfall in southern Bangladesh with winds of 155 miles per hour. The cyclone has resulted in approximately 3,500 deaths, according to media reports. The Government of Bangladesh’s (GOB) Disaster Management Information Center reported 2,625 officially confirmed deaths as of 1800 hours local time on November 19. The GOB evacuated approximately 3.2 million people from along the coastlines of 15 districts before the cyclone made landfall. Precise damage assessments were delayed due to damaged communication and transportation infrastructure.

On November 16, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Geeta Pasi declared a disaster in response to the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Sidr.  In response, USAID/OFDA is providing more than $2.3 million in assistance. The assistance includes $2.1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, CARE, Save the Children/U.S., and other humanitarian organizations for emergency relief activities, as well as emergency relief supplies valued at $252,215, including transport.

On November 17 and 18, a five-person USAID/OFDA assessment team arrived in Bangladesh. The assessment team is working closely with USAID/Bangladesh, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), non-governmental organizations, and the GOB to assess the extent of the damage, identify additional assistance requirements, and coordinate USG assistance efforts.

Back to Top ^