ACT Alert

Bangladesh - No. 1/2004

Tornado devastates Districts of North-Eastern Bangladesh

Geneva, 19 April, 2004

ACT members Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) and Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) report that twin tornadoes of devastating force swept across Netrakona and Mymenshingh, two north-eastern districts of Bangladesh on the evening of 14 April. Further heavy rains and storms on the night of 18 April have exacerbated the situation. According to media reports, at least 78 people have been killed and about 3,000 injured although this figure may rise further. The giant tornado swept away nearly everything in its wake – razing about 7,000 houses and even uprooting hand tube wells. Corrugated tin roofs crumpled like tinfoil, broken pottery and furniture were strewn everywhere. Many of the injured were hit by tin ripped off the roofs and many others suffered broken bones as the winds hurled them through the air.

The most urgent needs are medical support, emergency food, water, and shelter materials (plastic sheets, tents, utensils etc). The Government has started relief distribution and some army and local medical teams are treating the people for injuries. Police and the paramilitary along with civilian volunteers are busy assisting the victims. A number of NGOs are also working in the area.