Emergency Response to Cyclone Remal
Implemented by: Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD)
Supported by: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Severe Cyclone Remal hit the southern coastal districts of Bangladesh on 26 May 2024 evening with a maximum wind speed of 111 km/h. The storm surge, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall, caused flooding of 5-8 feet and a 2.2-meter storm surge in the coastal districts. As per the Government assessment (NDRCC, SOS), a total of 4.6 million people were affected across 19 districts (119 upazila and 934 unions). The report also indicates 8 most affected districts – Pirojpur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola, and Barisal.
CWFD’s response to Cyclone Remal, with the support of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), seeks to mitigate the impacts of gender-based violence (GBV), maternal mortality, and challenges in the menstrual health of adolescent girls during the natural disaster by deploying flood rapid response activities in 3 high-risk ranking districts – Patuakhali, Bagerhat, and Satkhira. CWFD targeted 600 adolescent girls to provide MHM Kits who are at risk from tropical cyclones.
CWFD started the response as soon as they received instruction from UNFPA. A covered van started the journey to Bagerhat district on 27 May 2024 with 600 MHM kits and reached the DWA Office, Bagerhat, at 9:30 PM. By the next day on 28 May 2024, another covered van started the journey to Satkhira at 10:00 AM with 600 MHM Kits and reached Shushilan Technical Training Center Munshiganj, Shyamnagar upazila, Satkhira at 9:30 PM. On 1 June 2024, another covered van with 600 MHM Kits was also sent to Mongla, Bagerhat, and prepositioned at KMSS Office, Mongla, Bagerhat.
Name of Project/Activity: Immediate Response to Cyclone Remal
Distribution Place: Mongla & Shoronkhola upazila of Bagerhat district and Syamnagar upazila of Satkhira district
Total Number of Kits Sent:1800 (1200 for Bagerhat district and 600 for Satkhira district)
Type of Kit: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Kit
Targeted Beneficiaries: Adolescent (10-19 years) girls
Project/Activity Duration: 27 May 2024 to 03 June 2024
The Composition of the MHM Kit
- Female Underwear
- Sanitary Pad (All night)
- Sanitary Pad (Ultra comfort)
- Sanitary Pad (Belted)
- Bathing Soap
- Detergent Powder
Kit Distribution Status
On May 28, 2024, MHM kit distribution began in Chila Union of Mongla Upazila, followed by Shoronkhola Upazila in Bagerhat District on May 29. Distribution also commenced in Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira on the same day. A total of 507 MHM kits were distributed in Mongla Upazila, 200 in Shoronkhola Upazila, and another 600 in Shyamnagar Upazila between May 27 and June 3, 2024.
Distribution Summary
| District | Upazila | Union | Number of Kits Distributed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagerhat | Mongla | Chila | 507 |
| Shoronkhola | Southkhali | 200 | |
| Subtotal | 707 | ||
| Satkhira | Shyamnagar | Atulia | 300 |
| Ramjan Nagar | 300 | ||
| Subtotal | 600 | ||
| Total | 1307 | ||
Youth Volunteers: A total of 23 youth volunteers assisted with the distribution process, with 18 volunteers in Bagerhat District and 5 in Satkhira District, working over four days.
Achievements
- CWFD prepositioned 6,246 MHM kits in its own warehouse and 493 kits at the KMSS Office in Mongla, ensuring an immediate response after the cyclone.
- Emergency staff were swiftly deployed to the affected areas as soon as the cyclone struck.
- A strong network with UNFPA Field Officers and other stakeholders has been established in every district.
