n the evening of Nov. 15 2007, cyclone Sidr crossed Southern Bangladesh, destroying everything in its path: houses, trees, crops and and a great loss of lives. The government of Bangladesh had been
informing the people through the media about the upcoming hurricane, unfolding in the ocean, and heading towards the coast of Bangladesh, warning people to be ready and take shelter. Both private and government run TV channels spent much time describing the dangers involved, and the destruction that the cyclone would cause.
Though everyone was alerted, in some way, even the weather forecasters did not know with precision the area that would be struck by the cyclone. All during the day of Nov. 15, the TV gave updated news on the unfolding of this disaster. It became clear, as the time passed, which were the districts of Southern Bangladesh most affected. There were even street cars with loud speakers warning the population.
Around 6:30pm, cyclone Sidr struck land, and continued to cause damage until 3:00 am in the night. All through the night, the gusty winds reached speeds of 160-180 miles per hour, with an area affected in the radius of 350 square miles. Strong winds, incessant rain, flooding and mudslides created great havoc in our area. Those who followed the warnings, took
shelter in government cemented buildings along the coast of Bangladesh, bring their own dry food and clothing. Those who did not follow the warnings, they were at the mercy of Cyclone Sidr. Still others were unaware of the unfolding situation because they live in remote areas on the seashore, up in the forests, with no roads inland, and fewer means of communication.
Two days after Cyclone Sidr showed its might, people believed that there were few
causalities; unfortunately it was not to be that way. Few volunteers were able to reach remote areas, and found corps lying in the streets. Some were fishing at the time the cyclone struck lands, others were unaware of such catastrophe unfolding.
Up to Dec. 15, the number of dead is over 3,500, with about 800 people missing; injuries account to over 40,000. Compared with some tragic past cyclones (in 1991 alone, a cyclone carried its deadly force with 150,000 dead), the dead are minimal, thanks to the organization of the Bangladeshi Government and the Media Alerts, and many foreign diplomats praised the government for its efforts in avoiding a greater catastrophe. The organizational aspect of it was pretty much on target, with a quick response and well-organized groups of volunteers and military personnel.
Our Catholic community tries to respond to the immediate needs of the people affected, and respond to their spiritual needs, no matter what religion or faith they belong
The Bishop of Khulna acted in collaboration with other entities, with distribution of food and blankets. A Catholic doctor/nursing team responded immediately, and provided medicines and first aid to the many injured.
A rough estimate we made in our area, counts of more than 500 houses to be rebuild anew, roads and bridges to be repaired and fixed from mudslides and weather related damage. Our Catholic community tries to respond to the immediate needs of the people affected, wants to be and work with them, and slowly
rebuild their houses, means of communication with the outside world, and respond to their spiritual needs, no matter what religion or faith they belong.
The Xaverian Missionaries are cooperating with the Diocese, working together so that whatever is done, is for the betterment of the people affected by this disaster. The cost of each house is about
$1,000 (Tk 65,000), built with concrete pillars and cement floors, with angle bars for the roof support, with tin as roof. In this way, we hope to build newer houses that will withstand future heavy winds and storms, and provide safe shelters for those who live in them.
We thank you in advance for opening your hearts in generosity to the people affected by Cyclone Sidr, so that they can restart living their lives with hope.
(From Xaverian News)