ACT members prepare for Cyclone Sidr

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert concerning a severe cyclonic storm “SIDR” over the Bay of Bengal. SIDR has been rapidly moving northwards since early morning  and is currently about 800 km south of Calcutta. It is likely to intensify further and move in a northerly direction, crossing the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast near the Sagar Islands by the morning of November 16, 2007.

Rains have already started and heavy to very heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected over the coastal districts of West Bengal. Squally winds at a speed of 50-60 kmph are predicted along the Orissa-West Bengal coast. As the cyclone progresses northwards, wind speed and intensity of rainfall is expected to increase. Sea conditions are forecast as rough and fishermen of these areas have been warned against venturing out to sea. 

The ACT Coordinating Office (CO) is in contact with the ACT members in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

India

ACT member, Lutheran World Service India (LWSI) reports that as part of the ASIN72 flood response activities, distribution of family relief kits are in progress in Patharpratima block of the Sunderban islands in South 24-Parganas district, which is one area where the cyclone is predicted to hit. The staff reported that since 6:00 (GMT), the cyclone has begun to impact with rising wind and medium intensity rain.  Calcutta is experiencing light winds and some rain. The IMD has forecast that the cyclone will intensify during the evening.

LWSI is in touch with the State Civil Defence Controller and the District Emergency Control Room (ADM).  According to Civil Defence Controller, an emergency team of 50 left for the Sagar area of Sunderbans in South 24-Parganas with full rescue equipment.  Evacuation plans have already been put into action. 

The LWSI team is already in the Sunderban area and is closely observing the situation, while facilitating evacuation.  LWSI is preparing itself for an appropriate intervention.

ACT member, Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) is also monitoring the situation and field staff have been put on standby.

Bangladesh

The ACT Bangladesh Forum met today and began making plans for a possible response. ACT members in Bangladesh with current operational programs in areas likely to be most affected by the cyclone include Christian Aid (CA), Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), Church of Banglandesh (CoB), KOINONIA and Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh (LHCB).

CCDB reports that people on the island of Moheshkali were evacuated to cyclone shelters. CCDB had constructed 44 of those shelters on the island following the devastating 1991 Bangladesh cyclone.

The ACT CO will remain in contact with members in India, Bangladesh and Nepal and will notify the alliance of any further plans for a response.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).