One year after Cyclone Sidr: fear replaces hope

Papers and reports: Policy papers; Campaign reports

The issues in depth: Trade and livelihoods; Health; Education; Debt and aid; Conflict and natural disasters; Climate change; HIV and AIDS; Private sector; Gender equality

Programme learning: Evaluations; Livelihoods; Education; Gender equality; HIV and AIDS; Humanitarian

Media centre: Press releases; Contact details; Latest downloads; Asset store

Programme overviews: Country information in depth

Stay informed: Policy updates

Corporate documents: Accounts, plans and reports; Supplier information

Download full paper (PDF)

Summary

Long before Cyclone Sidr struck the southern coastal areas of Bangladesh on 15 November 2007, many important life-saving actions had been carried out. Thanks to early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures, up to 3,000,000 people had already evacuated low-lying coastal areas, many finding refuge in anti-cyclone shelters. Local government officials and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) quickly moved contingency stocks of relief items into areas expecting to be affected.

Nevertheless, as Cyclone Sidr tore through several coastal districts, it left enormous devastation in its wake. Approximately 8.5 million women, men and children were affected – about 4000 were killed. One and a half million homes were partially or completely destroyed. Around 1.2 million livestock were killed and 2.4 million acres of crops were ruined. Overall economic losses have been calculated at US$1.7 billion.

Bangladesh’s government, armed forces, and countless volunteers, as well as national and international NGOs, quickly mobilised a huge humanitarian response. Several international donor governments and institutions moved quickly and generously.

Oxfam International responded in the four worst affected districts: Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, and Patuakhali. Working through local partners, Oxfam provided cash for work opportunities, distributed hygiene kits and blankets, installed or repaired water and sanitation facilities, and helped restore livelihoods. Oxfam also worked to identify issues of concern and encouraged improvements to the recovery effort.

Preparations for disaster saved many lives and the initial response was quick and energetic. However, Oxfam’s experience shows that some opportunities were missed and certain actors could have done better. Oxfam also believes that serious gaps in the recovery process remain, especially regarding hazard-resilient shelter.

Over a million women, men and children are entering their second winter without safe, adequate homes. They remain highly vulnerable to ill health, malnutrition, and future disasters in a region prone to environmental shocks. Initial hopes have turned into disappointment and fear of the next cyclone. This report highlights the reasons for these concerns – and what should be done to address them.