Cyclone Sidr, which struck late on Thursday 15-NOV-07, brought winds of up to 240km/h (150mph) and a tidal surge of several metres.
It brought down power lines and wiped out vital crops. Some 500,000 homes have been destroyed, and 845,000 households have been affected, according to the British Red Cross. Bangladesh's Red Crescent society says up to 10,000 may have died. Tens of thousands of survivors are now struggling for basic necessities like tents, rice, medicines and drinking water.
[Help the survivors]
DSK Response to Cyclone SIDR
ECHO-DCA/DSK Rehabilitation Project is going on.
(Contract No ED: ECHO/BGD/BUD/2007/03010 start date December 15, 2007 closing June 14, 2008).
ECHO visit to ECHO-DCA/DSK Rehabilitation Project
Mr. Abdul Awal, ECHO, Dhaka, paid a monitoring visit on March 10, 2008, to ECHO-DCA/DSK Rehabilitation Project in Sharankhola sub-district of Bagerhat district. (Contract No ED: ECHO/BGD/BUD/2007/03010 start date December 15, 2007 closing June 14, 2008).
Ms. Hasina Inam, Funding Officer, DCA and Dr. Dibalok Singha, Executive Director, DSK, were also present during the visit.
Mr. Awal, ECHO, Dhaka,handing over a Boat fastening Rope symbolizing Boat & Net to a Six-member beneficiary group.
During his visit Mr. Awal attended a meeting held with “Net-recipient” groups of fishermen community at Sonatola of Southkhali Union (just at the door step of mangrove forest SUNDARBAN). Fishermen cooperative members did described the situation of their village before and after cyclone Sidr and their perceived priorities for rehabilitation of their livelihoods. During the presentation they use participatory tools to express their views. They expressed that they have negotiated with small boat owners living in the community to accommodate at least three members into that boat and divided the price of the boat in four equal shares. In that way they form a Fishermen cooperative comprised of 5-6 groups consisted of six members in each group. This group will go for fishing in the nearby BHOLA River and try to make their living. Interesting point is apart from “Fishing Net” supported by the project grant, members of the group also came forward with their own share of equity in the form of boat. They also have decided to use savings instrument considering future need for repair and maintenance and to further reinforce the fishermen cooperative.
A Boat allowed to dry after final coat of paint on it, before its test run in the river.
A Female member of the Fishing Community working to complete partially woven Fishing net collected from market.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also developed with support from DSK and participating members agreed to accept that “Net” supplied by the project and Boat purchased by them becomes a collective property. All members will have equal share. It is forbidden to sell or transfer of this property to anybody else. If a member leaves the cooperative on his own then on the basis of consultation another member from poor “Fishermen village” would be incorporated.
At the site, there were some partially woven nets under the process of completion where both male and female net weavers were engaged in the process.
Mr. Awal, ECHO,Dhaka, during his Monitoring visit on March, 10, 2008, rode on Boats of the ECHO-DCA-DSK Project with the Beneficiary group.
Mr. Awal, ECHO, Dhaka, on the boat with the Fishermen beneficiary group.
In the village Bokultola of Southkhali union he visited the production site of Sanitary Latrine and met Women cooperative groups. He personally went to see a newly constructed pit latrine. It was explained by the group that the group went to local meson to negotiate price of construction of rings and slabs, they themselves went to negotiate price of supplies for the construction and time limit to accomplish the installation of pit latrines. Besides they did also negotiated price of physical installation of latrine chamber with the labor from the community. Total cost of latrine pit construction and installation was clearly reflected in brown poster paper by the community members. He was satisfied with the quality of construction of rings and slabs and cost incurred to construct the above.
On his way back, Mr. Awal visited the “Fishermen Cooperative” in Village Kodomtola of Rayenda Union where there were boats ready for test run and nets at the final stage of completion. After the monitoring session with the beneficiaries of fishermen cooperative, Mr. Awal inaugurated the test run of few boats in the river “Boleshwar” and himself rode on a boat with net accompanied by the owner group of the boat and net. Same rules and procedures also shall apply for these fishermen cooperatives.
Relief Updates: February 16, 2008
ECHO visit to DCA/DSK SIDR rehabilitation project
On February 16, 2008, Mr. Esko Kentryschynskyj , ECHO Head of Unit for Asia, Central and Latin America, Ms. Agnes LE THIEC, Desk Officer , Brussels and Mr. David Hill, Head of Office, ECHO, Dhaka paid a short visit to Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
A fishing net is handed over by Mr. Esko Kentryschynskyj
ECHO Head of Unit for Asia, Central and Latin America to a six member group of fihermen Co-operative
A slot from this high level visit was given to the ECHO funded Post-SIDR Rehabilitation Program for livelihood restoration implemented by DSK under co-operation from DCA. Among others Dr. Dibalok Singha, Executive Director of DSK was present ECHO delegates along with the DCA/DSK representatives visited one of the locations of Fishermen community under ECHO-DCA/DSK Programme at Uttar Kadamtola. At the site the visiting delegates were shown how the participatory approach was used in the implementation process through a demonstration made by fishermen cooperative. Delegates found contracted carpenter and his team, busy in constructing boats and Mr. Esko Kentryschynskyj handed over fishing net to a six member fishermen group.
Relief Updates: February 15, 2008
DCA visit to SIDR area
During February 15, 2008 DCA Regional Relief Officer Mr. Sudhanshu S. Singh Bangladesh Funding Officer Ms. Hasina Inam visited the location of ECHO-DCA/DSK Post-SIDR Rehabilitation Project. Among others DSK Executive Director Dr. Dibalok Singha was present.
During this period they attended the Focus Group Discussions held within the selected Fishermen community at the village Uttar Kadamtola of Rayenda union and women beneficiary groups at the village Purba Bokultola of Southkhali union under Bagerhat district. They also held separate meetings with local Union Parishad Chairman and Members.
Boat under construction at Kadamtola Fishing community area
Mr. Asif Hossain Tony made a presentation on project progress at project office which is situated at Tafalbari bazar of Southkhali union in Sharonkhola of Bagerhat district.
Relief Updates: January 15, 2008
Mr. Erik Johnson, Relief Officer of DCA visited SIDR effected areason January 5-8, 2008. He went to Sharankhola and Borguna where food relief packets were distributed on January10 and 11, 2008 (Borguna) and next food relief were to be distributed on January 14,2008 in Sharankhola.
He witnessed installation of TWs at Sharankhola , All the twelve hand TWs were tested for Arsenic and was found under permissible limit. Besides, degree of salinity was also in most of the cases acceptable. Target households shall be using water from these TWs for domestic purposes. He also had talk with households at Rayenda of Sharankhola where food packets were distributed earlier. He had a threadbare discussion with local staff of DSK in relation to ongoing ECHO supported project that has formally started on December 15, 2007 and shall come to a closure on June 14, 2008. He was also able to visit "Burir Char union" of Borguna sub district where fishing community was severely affected and devastated because of cyclone SIDR. Mr. Ranajit Das Senior Project Coordinator of DSK was present during this visit.
Relief Updates: December 27, 2007
Ms Hasina Inam from DCA, visited Sharankhola and Borguna during December 26 to 28, 2007. She was able to meet local villagers at Southkhali and was able to transmit future DCA plan of Relief and Rehabilitation targeting cyclone victims. She had a discussion with Southkhali Union Chairman and who assured all possible support in relation to DCA relief project.
She also had the opportunity to meet Sharankhola Sub District Chief Executive Officer where she described DCA/DSK joint relief project that targets to reach affected households with food relief and Livelihood restoration effort through the provision of fishing boats and nets, improving water supply and sanitation facilities and cleaning of polluted ponds. Later, she also visited M Baliatoli union of Borguna sub district and was able to meet local partner organization "UDDAM" and went to visit the severely affected sites of M. Baliatoli union.
Later, a short meeting was held with sub District officer who was happy to know about the DSK/DCA relief effort and expressed his intention to extend all out support for the successful implementation of the project. Dr.Dibalok Singha Executive Director of DSK was also present during the visit.
Installation of Tubewell in SIDR area
Relief Updates: December 04, 2007
Relief Distribution at Morelganj, Executive Director of DSK was present
Food relief was distributed at Morelganj sub district under Bagerhat district on December 3, 2007. In total, two hundred eighty three packets were distributed as part of Dan Church Aid support. Local union parishad Chairman, Sub District Fisheries Officer, civil society representatives were present. Dr. Singha (blue shirt in the picture), ED of DSK was also present during food packet distribution.
DSK Director Program Dr. M Quader distributing food relief
Relief distribution at Sharankhola
Relief Team site
Food Relief line at sub District Headoffice
Line for Food relief
Relief Updates: November 26, 2007
Soon after Cyclone SIDR, DSK decided to start its emergency relief activities in Bagerhat district.
A team was deployed immediately on November 18, 2007 to assess the situation. The team visited Mongla, Chitalmari and Sharankhola sub districts of Bagerhat district.
In Sharankohola sub district affected unions are four and severely affected union is Southkhali and effected villages are Batagi, Chaltabunia, Bogir, Gabtola, Terabeka, Lebutola etc.
Total Death: 550 might rise further
severely affected: 20,000
Moderately affected: 5000
Partial effected: 5000.
(On November19, 2007)
Road and Electricity connection was fully snapped and electricity supply could not be restored till date.
Later DSK on the basis of assessment
decided to start medical relief at Sharaonkhola. On
November 19, 2007 DSK decided to deploy two medical
teams to Sharankhola sub district under Bagerhat district.
Now DSK medical team with support from Government
and Bangladesh Military doctors supporting cyclone victims
since November 20, 2007. This team is based in Southkhali
and Rayanda unions of Sharankhola sub district. On an
average daily about 350 patients has visited DSK medical
team since the beginning of the activity.
DSK is being supported in its relief activity by DanChurch Aid. About
1900 households (average family size is 5.5) shall be
reached with Food packet covering the needs of target
families for two weeks in Chitalmari, Morolganj and
Sharankhola sub districts by this project.
Food packet contains following components:
Rice 30 kg
Lentil 4 kg
Edible Oil 2 liters
Potatoes 12 kg
15 pcs wax candles
1 dozen match box
1 blanket
soap 1 piece.
Besides water supply services also shall be restored in most effected
villages of Southkhali union of Sharanklhola sub
district under Bagerhat district of Bangladesh.
Cyclone affected Rayenda union of Sharankhola sub
district was visited by DanChurch AID Regional Relief
Officer Mr. Sudhansu Singh and Bangladesh program officer
Ms Hasina Inam on November 24, 2007.
Apart DSK has tried to fix the some non functioning shallow hand pumps in
Rayenda union of Shorankhala sub district. Which has
helped the local households immensely because of the
dearth of sweet water in those areas.
DSK is trying
its level best to raise further funds to support cyclone
SIDR victims.
Status of ECHO project(2): August 23, 2008
ECHO II (Shelter Repair)
Progress Status of the project activities in Bagerhat and Borguna.
Status of ECHO project(2): July 14, 2008
ECHO II (Shelter Repair)
Progress Status of the project activities in Bagerhat and Borguna.
Status of ECHO project: June 15, 2008
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District as on June 14, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Full complete:900
14, June, 2008 Completed
Boat (Large)
100
Full complete:100
Completed
Additional No of Boat
95
Full complete:95
Completed
Fishing Net
100
Full complete:100
Completed
Additional No of Nets
95
Full complete:95
Completed
Pond Cleaning
30
34
Completed.
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
Full complete: 20
Completed.
Pond Sand Filter
3
Full complete : 3
Completed.
Shallow TW
20
Full complete : 20
Completed.
Status of ECHO project: May 20, 2008
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District as on May 20, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Full installed : 900
Vent pipe installation: 300 set complete and rest shall be completed soon.
30 April, 2008 May 31, 2008
Boat
100
Full complete : 101
30 April, 2008
Additional No of Boat
77
New Groups formed: 77
Full complete: 73
Constructing : 4
June 7, 2008
Fishing Net
200
200 (complete)
30 April, 2008
Additional No of Nets
77
New Groups formed: 77 Procurement is under process.
June 7, 2008
Pond Cleaning
30
34
Complete.
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
Full complete: 20
Platform complete: 19 Saline, Arsenic, and Iron tests are complete in Borguna. DTWs will be color coded.
Revised No is 18 and done only at Borguna.
Pond Sand Filter
3
Full complete : 3
May 31, 2008
Shallow TW
20
Installed: No 20 Platform: shall be completed by end of May in Sharankhola.
May 31, 2008
Status of ECHO project: April 30, 2008
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District as on April 30, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Set Manufactured :900 Latrine Chamber installed: 900
Full installed :900
30 April, 2008
Boat
100
Full complete : 101
30 April, 2008
Additional No of Boat
77
New Groups formed: 76 Different stage of manufacturing: 43 Full complete: 33 Running: 26
30 April, 2008
Fishing Net
200
200 (complete)
30 April, 2008
Pond Cleaning
30
34
Complete. Extra four was done because of request from local government at Borguna.
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
Full complete: 18
others at implementation in Borguna
Revised No is 18 and done only at Borguna.
Pond Sand Filter
3
Full complete: 2
Under installation: 1
30 April, 2008
Shallow TW
20
Processing
Status of ECHO project: April 18, 2008
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District as on April 18, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Set Manufactured :900 Latrine Chamber installed: 900 Full installed :860
Shall be closed by third week of April, 2008
Boat
100
Full complete : 101
Closing by second week of April, 2008
Additional No of Boat
77
New Groups formed: 76 Different stage of manufacturing: 43 Full complete : 20
Extra number because of communities choice for smaller size of Boats; closing by end of April, 2008
Additional No of Net
77
Different stage of manufacturing No 24
Closing by first week of May, 2008
Fishing Net
200
190
Closing by end of April, 2008
Pond Cleaning
30
34
Complete. Extra four was done because of request from local government at Borguna.
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
Full complete: 17
others at implementation in Borguna
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District as on April 5, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Set Manufactured :
824
Latrine Chamber Installed:
832
Full installed :
364
Shall be closed by First week of April, 2008
Boat
100
At different stages of construction : 17
At final stage : 25
Full complete : 67
Closing by second week of April, 2008
Fishing Net
200
179
Closing by end of April, 2008
Pond Cleaning
30
34
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
Installed : 15
(Platform Complete :10)
-Do- hence No is less
Status of ECHO project: March 31, 2008
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat.
Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District as on March 31, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Set Manufactured :
738
Latrine Chamber installed:
789
Full installed :
268
Shall be closed by First week of April, 2008
Boat
100
At different stages of construction :
36
Full complete : 64
Closing by second week of April, 2008
Fishing Net
200
94
Closing by end of April, 2008
Pond Cleaning
30
34
Shall, be complete by end of March, 2008
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
14
-Do- hence No is less
Status of ECHO project: March 25, 2008
Southkhali and Rayenda Unions of Sharankhola, Bagerhat and Burirchar and Badarkhali of Borguna Sadar Upazilla of Borguna District
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Slab Latrines
900
Set Manufactured : 623 Latrine Chamber installed: 530 Full installed : 109
Shall be closed by First week of April, 2008
Boat
100
At different stages of construction : 79 Full complete : 55
Extra number because of communities choice for smaller size of Boats; Closing by second week of April, 2008
Fishing Net
200
79
Closing by end of April, 2008
Pond Cleaning
30
29
Shall, be complete by end of March, 2008
Shallow TW Repair
20
3
Not applicable for Sharankhola and also for Borguna; applied for revision of budget
Deep TW installation
20
10
-Do- hence No is less
Status of ECHO project: March 15, 2008
Status of ECHO project accomplishments as on March 15, 2008
Component
Target
Achieved
Remarks
Boat
100
34
Rest of Boat are at different stage of making
Fishing Net
100
28
Shall be completed by end of March , 2008
DTW
20
5
Ten shall be installed in Borguna and will be accomplished by third week of March, 2008. In Sharankhola it is difficult to install DTW because of soil conditions.
Pond Clean
30
25
Almost covered shall be finished by third week of March, 2008.
Slab Latrine
900
135
Work is progressing. Additional mason has joined to get an accelerated rate.
Mukil a class five student of Rayanda Bazar Madrasha. She lost her Father and Grand father in the cyclone. She has two sisters and one brother. Her mother is desperately trying to collect relief.
Babu ( 5 yrs) has been living in Rayanda Bazar . His father died 4 years back . His mother Alya (30yr.s) died in the cyclone on 15 Nov, 2007. Babu has one younger brother and one sister . They are now looked after by one of his relatives. They lost their house and properties.
Rahima ( 24 yrs) of Rayanda Bazar who lost her husband Dulu (30) house/properties and all belongings. Her house was located where she is now standing in the photograph. She received only 3 Kg rice till 25 November 2007. She could not move as she has children 2 years and 4 years of age.
Current Event-01 
Some 500,000 homes have been destroyed, and 845,000 households have been affected, according to the British Red Cross. 
DSK Response to Cyclone SIDR
Fatema's Story (
Soon after Cyclone SIDR, DSK decided to start its emergency relief activities in Bagerhat district.
