A severe cyclonic storm 'Aila', formed in the Bay of Bengal, whipped up tidal surges and raged through the southern coast of Bangladesh yesterday afternoon (May 25th). Around 80,000 were marooned by the tidal surge, and scores of houses were damaged and dams busted in greater Khulna, Bagerhat, Mongla, Satkhira, Barisal, Patuakhali, Barguna and Noakhali and some other districts. A total 11 districts have been severely affected.

It has been nationally reported that 89 people have died in the cyclone. The speed of the wind was about 100 KM per hour. The tidal surge made the situation worse. The water was 10 - 12 feet high than the normal. Many road and dams have been destroyed, trees uprooted, houses blown out and washed away. Cattle and crops are washed away.

Our people from Satkhira informed us that the most affected area is Kasra Union, Tala Thana. About 700 families in that area are severely affected. About 400 homes have been washed away. About 75 Nazarene families have been severely affected there. We have 3 local churches in that area.

We have total 56 churched in Satkhira area. More or less every church is affected. Out of the 56 churches, about 28 are severely affected with many homes destroyed and some of the communities are still under water. Along with other community people about 400 Nazarene families have been hit hard. About 11 of the church worship places have been blown out. In Satkira area, about 150 villages are affected. About 26 people have died in this area.

The house of two CDC centers in Satkhira area have been destroyed. The children have no place to go for education and food.

In Mongla area, we have 22 churches. All of them have been affected. Three CDC centers are still under water. About 60% of the children's home have been blown out. One of the Jesus Film teams is working in this area. In Joymoni community, there are about 900 households with 75% being affected. Twenty percent of the homes have been completely washed away.

Last night many people took shelter, in Kanainagor CDC (Church building) and another church building. Along with other community people about 300 Nazarene families in this area are severely affected.

In Khulna area 18 people have died.

In Naogaon area 3 CDC centers have been blown out by the cyclone. In one of our churches, 2 of the neighboring children have died.

At this moment, the immediate need is dry food, pure drinking water and medicine because most of the area is still under water. The greatest problem that emerged in the area was the paucity of drinking water as saline water from the sea spilled over almost all the ponds, rivers and other sources of the drinking water. The people will also need food like rice, lentils, salt, cooking oil and other necessities. We also need kitchen and household items as all these things are either blown away or washed away.

It will be very important to respond in this situation. The Nazarene church is in this area. We have capacity to respond here. And it will open our door in the neighboring area to explore further. At present, we are thinking to respond at least 10,000 - 15,000 families.

Government response is very small. No private organization (NGO) has still responded.

Please pray for the situation. We will keep you inform more information. Thank you very much for your prayer, care, love and support for our people.

With best regards
Sukamal Biswas

Bangladesh Nazarene Mission
Sukamal Biswas, Director
House #16, Road #14, Sector #12
Uttara Model Town, Dhaka-1230
Bangladesh
Phone  +8802-8953148
Cell      +8801-713206354
Fax      +8802-8922869
bnm@nazarenebd.org