PROJECT BACKGROUND

The devastating cyclone Aila swept over the coastal districts of Bangladesh on 25 May 2009 devastating lives, standing crops, houses, fisheries ponds, roads, schools houses, and enclosures of shrimp culture. The affected districts are Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkharia, Patuakhali, Barisal, Barguna, Bhola, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Chittagong & Cox's Bazar.

Tidal waves churned by strong winds have inundated vast swatches of land. Heavy rain coupled with gales flattened huge tracts of standing crops and washed away numerous fisheries. Embankments have been damaged extensively. More then 800 people have been wounded and at least 58, 450 domestic animals killed. Food Minister Abdul Razzak said the cyclone has affected 3 million people.

PROJECT GOAL

To rehabilitate cyclone affected families to re-start the normal activities of life and facilitating the community to repair and renovate the damaged structures.

Partner: Development Organizsation of the Rural Poor (DORP)

EXPECTED RESULTS AND OUTPUTS:

Latrines: Rehabilitation activities benefited approximately 50 vulnerable families, whose latrine slabs were destroyed completely. IDRF's project partners installed 50 latrines and 50 tube-wells for those most affected. Each family was provided with a sanitary pit latrine. These activities reduced unsanitary conditions, which are currently polluting the air and water, and thus reduced the potential risk for the spread of air borne and water borne diseases.

Tube-Well Repairing: Fifty tube-wells were repaired to benefit fifty of the most affected families. The tube-wells ensured vulnerable families and communities have access to clean, and safe water.

Repairing of Community Satellite Clinic: The damaged Static Clinic of Banskhali, Chittagong was repaired. Fences were restored with C.I. Sheets, floors were mended with concrete cement plastering, and damaged, broken furniture was replaced.

Ponds Re-excavation: Four damaged ponds in the Ramgati and Banskhali sub-districts were re-excavated. 50 families were facilitated to use safe water for domestic purposes as well as undergoing fish cultivation.

Mosque Repairing: 1500 devoted Muslims perform the Namaj (prayer) regularly. Repairing the mosque allowed the community members to continue regular prayers. The Mosque was provided with C. I. Sheets to repair fences fencing and with cement to repair floors.

Graveyard Renovation and Extension: The burial ground was damaged and was thus renovated and extended. The renovation allowed the community people to perform burial ceremonies at ease and also expanded the burial ground to meet the demand.