Bangladesh (MNN) — Cyclone response is underway in Bangladesh, but the United Nations says more help is needed. UN teams are distributing hygiene kits and water purification tablets as water sources remain contaminated in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal.
Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations says Bangladesh’s geography makes it particularly vulnerable. “The Bay of Bengal is a breeding ground for cyclones,” he explains.
“Every year, it’s not a matter of if but when the cyclones come up. So, you’ve got this massive, highly concentrated area of humanity in low-lying areas, and when a storm comes through, it’s devastating.”
Cyclone Remal, the first tropical storm of the season, hit Bangladesh and eastern India last week. Extremely heavy rain and high-speed winds battered the area for more than 36 hours, making Remal one of the longest cyclones in Bangladesh’s history.
More than three million people were affected in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.
“Electricity is still out in different places; it’s not just your house [that gets] affected, but when the storm surges come in, it destroys all their crops,” Kelley says.
“Their literal source of existence is destroyed, and it’s months and months before they can recover.”
Pray for endurance for the believers meeting storm survivors’ tangible and spiritual needs.
“It’s a great opportunity to come alongside, be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Kelley says. “We’ve heard countless stories of Muslims receiving Jesus in the aftermath of a disaster like the cyclone that just hit Bangladesh.”
Header image shows path of Cyclone Remal through the Bay of Bengal. (Wikimedia Commons)
