Families take refuge as tropical storm hits Bangladesh

More than a thousand people including scores of children have sought refuge in World Vision’s emergency shelters, as stormy weather from Tropical Cyclone Mahasen strikes the Bangladesh coastline.

84 World Vision staff and 880 volunteers have been on standby with 4,200 survival packs ready for distribution.

The storm hit the Bangladesh coastline on Thursday morning, more than a thousand miles from its place of origin in the Bay of Bengal.

1,150 people took refuge in World Vision cyclone shelters. Latest reports suggest the majority of those have already left, as the winds began to die down.

Wilfred Sikukula, Director of Humanitarian Emergency Affairs at World Vision Bangladesh, said: “We've deployed staff and volunteers on the ground to mobilise a quick response. Medical teams are ready for the community at five shelters.

“We’re working with other agencies to complete a joint needs assessment.”

Meanwhile, World Vision staff in Myanmar report people staying at home in the capital, Yangon, as thunderstorms and rain intensify. Fears of devastation in Myanmar have been allayed, however, as the cyclone passed by to the west of the country.

The Asia and Pacific region is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. World Vision prioritises disaster risk reduction in its disaster management programming, including prevention, mitigation and preparedness.