Bangladesh (MNN) ― The outbreak of waterborne diseases is spreading in the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.
Aid teams are reporting a spike in the cases of diarrhea, pneumonia, fever and typhoid. The diseases seem to be spreading as local people are drinking water from the rivers and canals, polluted with rotting animal carcasses. Tube-well water or safe drinking water is not yet available in some areas.
The Department of Public Health and Engineering estimates that as many as 1,475 out of about 18,000 tube-wells are functioning in Patuakhali, post-storm.
The Government of Bangladesh official reports indicated that more than seven million people were affected by the Cyclone, with a death toll of 3,243 people, another 880 missing and 34,708 injured. Material damage is severe, as is the agricultural damage. The government estimates that more than 1.8 million acres of crops are damaged.
Spring Lake, Michigan-based International Aid is preparing a response to assist the victims of the storm. At this juncture, they're not looking for manpower, products, or material goods. Rather, until the cleanup is well underway, I-A needs funds to support their medical team.
"Our relief team has been actively assessing our available resources and the situation on the ground in coastal Bangladesh," said Myles Fish, IA President and CEO. "International Aid is collecting donations and reaching out to our partners in the field, as it is our intent to assemble a response that will help stricken communities recover from this disaster."
Please pray for the team they send. Pray for their wisdom and for confidence in the hope of Christ as they minister to the survivors.
